BREAKING NEWS: Rangers secure spot in conference finals after striking Hurricanes
Game 6 between the New York Rangers and Carolina Hurricanes was an unforgettable spectacle. However, Chris Kreider’s natural hat trick in the third period will likely be the most memorable moment from what could be considered one of the wildest games in this year’s Stanley Cup playoffs.
Initially dominating the second-round series with a 3-0 lead, the Rangers found themselves down by two goals in the third period on Thursday. On the brink of facing a decisive Game 7, Kreider rose to the occasion, creating a historic moment for the franchise.
Starting the third period trailing, Kreider scored three consecutive goals within nine minutes and two seconds, putting the Rangers ahead with 4:19 remaining. His performance placed him alongside Hall of Famers Mark Messier (1994) and Wayne Gretzky (1997) as the only Rangers to score a playoff hat trick in a single period.
On to the next. The work continues. #NOQUITINNY pic.twitter.com/lrwv0AdMl6
— x – New York Rangers (@NYRangers) May 17, 2024
Kreider’s stellar night also revitalized his linemates. The trio of Kreider, Mika Zibanejad, and Jack Roslovic, who had only one point combined in the previous two games, tallied six points (three goals, three assists) on Thursday. Similarly, the Rangers’ top line of Artemi Panarin, Vincent Trocheck, and Alexis Lafreniere, who had only one point in Games 4 and 5, contributed a goal and three assists in the victory.
Goaltender Igor Shesterkin’s performance was crucial as well, with the 28-year-old stopping 33 Hurricanes shots and making several key saves in the final moments.
CHRIS KREIDER HAT TRICK 🤯
THE RANGERS HAVE TAKEN THE LEAD WITH 4:19 LEFT 🚨 pic.twitter.com/eBvbGP9EGx
— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) May 17, 2024
For the Hurricanes, the season ended in disappointment. After falling behind 3-0 in the series, they mounted a comeback and appeared poised to force a Game 7. Early goals from Martin Necas, Seth Jarvis, and Sebastian Aho, along with a spectacular save by Jordan Martinook, weren’t enough to alter their fate.
Despite holding much of the momentum, the Hurricanes saw the game slip away in the third period. Late shots hit the post behind Shesterkin but didn’t cross the goal line, leaving Carolina with a long offseason to reflect on what might have been.
The Rangers get it RIGHT BACK off the Trocheck deflection 😳 pic.twitter.com/8S6dY9BfrR
— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) May 17, 2024
The Rangers’ dramatic win advances them to the Eastern Conference Finals for the second time in three seasons, where they will face the winner of the other semifinal between the Florida Panthers and the Boston Bruins, with the Panthers currently leading 3-2.