Game 2: Hats Off, Mr. Svechnikov
After strong performances from both netminders in Game 1, Petr Mrazek (24 saves) and Henrik Lundqvist (34 saves) were back between the pipes for the second game. Much like Game 1, the Canes found the early advantage, in a nearly identical fashion. Andrei Svechnikov found some daylight on the short side of Lundqvist to beat the Swedish goalie. The Rangers would get it back before the end of the period, as Artemi Panarin scored during a 5-on-3 to send the game into the second period tied.
The Canes' power play would strike again, with Svechnikov doubling down. The Russian sniper floated a one-timer over Lundqvist's shoulder, needing just three seconds to find the back of the net. It took 71 seconds for the lead to grow. Morgan Geekie fed Jordan Martinook, who lifted his shot into the net to make it 3-1. Geekie had an unreal beginning to his NHL career, making his NHL debut on March 8 with a two-goal, three-point performance against the Penguins. His three points were the most by a Hurricanes player in their debut. Two days later, he scored another goal in Detroit before the shutdown.
With the Canes dominating most of the game, the only thing left to determine in the third period was whether Svechnikov would get his hat trick. With a little over six minutes left, we got our answer. Sebastian Aho created a turnover, drawing two Rangers as he skated into the offensive zone. With little room to shoot, Aho opted to pass it to the trailing Svechnikov, who snapped it past the windmilling goalie to complete the first postseason hat trick in franchise history. It sealed an emphatic 4-1 victory for the team, putting them on the brink of advancing.