The New York Rangers looked to be on their way to a trip to the Eastern Conference Finals through two periods in Monday's Game 5 against the Carolina Hurricanes. Unfortunately, a massive collapse in the third period extended the second-round series.
The Rangers allowed four goals in the third period on their way to a 4-1 loss in front of a disappointed home crowd at Madison Square Garden. New York held a 1-0 lead through two periods on a goal by Jacob Trouba and appeared to be in control until things fell apart in the final frame, allowing Carolina to cut the series lead to 3-2 and force a Game 6.
Rangers goalie Igor Shesterkin had 18 saves through the first two periods before the Hurricanes started wreaking havoc on him. Jordan Staal tied the game less than four minutes into the third period with a nifty move to beat the two-time All-Star. Evgeny Kuznetsov followed three minutes later by putting the puck in the back of the net off a rebound to give Carolina the lead.
Jordan Martinook extended the lead by converting in front of the net. Shesterkin was put on the bench with 3:44 left in the period, and Martin Necas scored an empty-netter to send fans to the exits.
Fans on social media weren't happy either, as the Rangers were called out for their disappointing collapse on Monday:
Brandon @BrandonBets__Absolute meltdown from the Rangers
Ryan Mead @OhRyanMeadI don't think this period could have gone much worse.
Charlie @CharlieF3795This is an all time meltdown by the Rangers.
Ed Gary's Burner @Burner1EdMeltdown at MSG Jesus Rangers
Mets @UncleStevieMetsOmg meltdown by the Rangers.
Patrick F @Patrick_DF3The Rangers are having a meltdown!
Eric Slater @ericsslaterTotal Rangers meltdown in the 3rd period. My goodness.
B/R Open Ice @BR_OpenIceWE GOT A GAME 6 ON THURSDAY 🌀 <a href="">
After narrowly losing Game 4 on Saturday, everything was set up for the Rangers to close things out on Monday. The home crowd was juiced up, and Shesterkin played brilliantly through two periods. However, New York's offense failed to show up, whereas Carolina's exploded in the third period.
The Rangers will try to regroup and close out the series when they face the Hurricanes in Game 6 in Raleigh on Thursday.
