2024 Playoffs: Second Round, Carolina Hurricanes vs New York Rangers Game 5 Open Thread

After failing to secure an old fashioned sweep of the Carolina Hurricanes on Saturday in Raleigh, the Rangers will look to finish off a sweep of the gentleman's variety tonight. Game 5 at Madison Square Garden is upon us as Peter Laviolette's current team will get a second opportunity to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals and send his former team into the offseason.

Carolina came out of the gate firing on all cylinders in Game 4, putting the Rangers into a 3-1 hole by the time the first intermission horn sounded. New York fought back throughout the night and eventually tied things up at three early in the third period, but Carolina's first power play goal of the series later in the period stood as the game winning tally to extend this series. After splitting the two games in Raleigh, the Rangers are back home in front of the Garden faithful, and will look to improve to 5-0 at home in the 2024 playoffs.

Player to Watch: Alexis Lafreniere

In a game where not every Ranger appeared to have their "A" game, Lafreniere was arguably New York's best player on Saturday. Building off a two goal effort in Game 3, Lafreniere was buzzing each and every time he hopped over the boards, and scored the then-tying goal of Game 4 off of a funky behind the net play. Look for Lafreniere to keep the good times rolling and help his team vanquish their divisional rival and become the the first team through the second round and into the Conference Finals.

Enjoy the game!