Game 2 of the second round between the New York Islanders and the Carolina Hurricanes took place today on nationwide TV, on NBC. The Islanders were looking to tie up the series before it heads back to Raleigh, while the Hurricanes were looking to extend their series lead.
The game started off well for the Islanders, as a little over halfway in the first period, the Isles would grab the lead. The goal would come from Matthew Barzal, and it would be his first of the playoffs. The puck would bounce off of Jaccob Slavin’s stick and beat Petr Mrázek and go into the net. Then, the Islanders would then finish off the period with a 1-0 lead.
There would be no scoring between the two teams in the second period. The Islanders outshot the Hurricanes 13-9 in the period. Also, only two penalties were called in the period, both going against the Islanders, in which their penalty kill were successful in killing off the penalties.
In the third period, the Hurricanes would nab a quick goal 17 seconds into the period. It came from Carolina hot man, Warren Foegele, who shot the puck from the right circle beating Robin Lehner. It would be Foegele’s fifth goal of the playoffs.
Shortly after, slightly over a minute into the period, the Hurricanes would grab another quick goal. This time it came from Nino Niederreiter, it would be his first goal of the playoffs, and it could not come at a better time.
The Hurricanes would then hold on to win the period and the game, and take a 2-0 series lead heading back to Raleigh.
Things to note, that Petr Mrázek went down injured in the second period and it was Curtis McElhinney who would come on in relief. The Hurricanes were dealt another injury as Saku Maenalanen would depart from the game early. Also Trevor van Riemsdyk left the game early as well.
3 Stars of the Game
Third Star: Matthew Barzal
Second Star: Warren Foegele
First Star: Nino Niederreiter
Boxscore
https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/car-vs-nyi/2019/04/28/2018030222#game=2018030222,game_state=final
Game 3 of the series will be at PNC Arena in Raleigh on May 1st at 7p on NBCSN.
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