Are these two second-round matchups the most fun of the Stanley Cup Playoffs so far?
The Hurricanes and Rangers went into overtime in Game 2 of their series, producing some captivating back-and-forth action and Jacob Trouba comically trying to hit Marty Necas before going face-first into the boards. Vincent Trocheck was able to play the role of hero in overtime, his first playoff winning goal in 46 games.
you’re probably wondering how I got here pic.twitter.com/j489LjMuGW
–Liam McHugh (@liam_mchugh) May 8, 2024
In the time it took me to write this introduction, the Avalanche erased a 3-0 deficit against the Dallas Stars. Miles Wood was the overtime hero, his first-ever playoff game-winning goal in 19 career playoff games. But the Stars have already started from behind, so prepare for a long showdown with these two teams.
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New York Rangers vs. Carolina Hurricanes – Game 3
How to watch: 7 p.m. ET on TNT, SN
Rangers lead series 2-0
Series odds: Rangers -300, Hurricanes +250
• Vincent Trocheck is on a hot streak with goals in five straight playoff games. Trocheck also has points in each of his last six games (5 goals, 10 points).
• Alexis Lafrenière’s exceptional season continues. He already has two playoff goals this spring in six games. That’s the same number of goals he scored in 20 playoff games during the 2021-22 postseason.
• Hurricanes goaltender Frederik Andersen has allowed four goals in consecutive playoff games. Andersen allowed 12 goals in the Canes’ opening round against the New York Islanders.
• Jake Guentzel’s two-goal game against the Rangers was his first two-goal game in the playoffs since May 11, 2022, when he was a member of the Pittsburgh Penguins. The opponent? The New York Rangers. Three of his eight multi-goal playoff games came against the Rangers.
Colorado Avalanche vs. Dallas Stars — Game 2
How to watch: 9:30 p.m. ET on TNT, SN
Avalanche leads series 1-0
Series odds: Avalanche -210, stars +170
• Nathan MacKinnon extended his playoff point streak to seven games (3 goals, 12 points) after a two-point effort against the Stars in Game 1.
• Wyatt Johnston continues his excellent playoff run with five goals and eight points in eight playoff games this spring. For the second time in the playoffs, Johnston scored goals in consecutive playoff games.
• Mikko Rantanen has points in his last 11 playoff games (8 goals, 20 points) dating back to April 22, 2023 against the Seattle Kraken.
• Jamie Benn had a goal and an assist in the opener against Colorado. He is now five points away from tying Sergei Zubov for the second-most points in Stars playoff history. Benn is also three goals away from second place for most Stars goals in the playoffs.
(Miles Wood Photo: Sam Hodde/Getty Images)