UNDATED (AP) — Antti Raanta is making things difficult for his former team these days.
Raanta stopped 21 shots and the Hurricanes took a two-games-to-none lead in their second-round series by blanking the Rangers, 2-0. It was the first career playoff shutout for Raanta, who has allowed just one goal in the series.
Igor Shesterkin was perfect until Brendan Smith scored a short-handed goal 15:54 into the second period. It was Smith’s first postseason goal in nine years.
Sebastian Aho provided the primary assist on the game-winning goal before sending a shot into an empty net.
Shesterkin made 20 saves for the Rangers, who host Game 3 on Sunday.
Meanwhile, the Oilers knotted their second-round series at a game apiece with a 5-3 comeback win over the Flames.
Zach Hyman snapped a 3-3 tie with a short-handed goal at 10:14 of the third period. Leon Draisaitl and defenseman Duncan Keith each had a goal and two assists to support Mike Smith, who was sharp in stopping 37 shots after getting pulled early in the opener.
Edmonton captain Connor McDavid’s goal and assist Friday made him the fastest player to reach 20 points in a single postseason since Mario Lemieux in 1992.
Tyler Toffoli power-play goal early in the second period gave Calgary a 3-1 lead.
The Oilers will host Game 3 on Sunday.
