In the series of two main favorites of the 2024 Stanley Cup between The New York Rangers and Carolina Hurricanes could have expected anything but its imminent end. After the first three matches, this question became especially relevant: the Blueshirts confidently led 3-0 and were one step away from a number of historical achievements on the way to the Eastern Conference finals. “Hurricanes”, unexpectedly for most, became close to falling into the abyss. This “sweep” would have been an incredibly strong blow for Rod Brindamore’s gang, followed by a knockout.
Realizing the fact that the next meeting in Raleigh could be marked by an early vacation, the Hurricanes hockey players did everything to avoid this. Even those whom many had long given up on showed their leadership qualities. Evgeny Kuznetsov is among them.
Kuzya was temporarily taken out of the lineup during the series against the Rangers, and the Russian star forward missed the second match of the confrontation. For what reason is officially unknown. According to rumors from North American journalists, the coaching staff was dissatisfied with Evgeniy’s play and low performance, and his removal in the first game, which led to a goal against the Hurricanes, greatly disappointed Brindammore’s demanding staff. At the same time, a new wave of criticism from fans followed against the Russian.
Today, Kuznetsov has become one of the main saviors of Carolina. It was Evgeniy who opened the scoring and put the Canes ahead in the first minutes of the meeting.
Later, Kuznetsov added even more color to the already vibrant game and attempted a lacrosse goal. Evgeniy is one of the first players in the league to try to distinguish himself in this way. Unsuccessfully. But it would be symbolic if Kuzi’s lacrosse goal were missed by Igor Shesterkin, who is categorically against these tricks. But Andrei Svechnikov, the main NHL revolutionary in lacrosse goals, approved of his compatriot’s attempt.
The same Svechnikov also became one of the architects of Carolina’s most important victory. Throughout the meeting, Andrei was one of the best players in the Canes camp, and in the end he scored an assist in the decisive goal for the Hurricanes. A goal that can be called historic — the Hurricanes realized a numerical majority for the first time in the entire series. If it weren’t for Svechnikov’s participation in the scoring attack, Carolina would have risked suffering a truly resounding fiasco: Brindamore’s team alternately squandered an advantage of 2:0 and 3:1 and almost allowed the Rangers to make a comeback and complete the series.< br>
But the confrontation continues. The club of Artemy Panarin and Igor Shesterkin is still one victory away from the East final, but now the series could turn out completely differently. The only question is whether the Hurricanes will be mentally motivated after today's game for future victories.
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