Kreider's Third Hat Trick Leads Rangers to Series Win – Hockey Writers – NHL News
Chris Kreider scored a natural hat trick in the third period to lead the New York Rangers comeback and defeat the Carolina Hurricanes 5-3 and secure the series victory. Kreider became the third player in Rangers history to score three goals in a single game, joining Mark Messier (3rd season; Game 6 of the 1994 conference finals) and Wayne Gretzky (2nd season; Game 4 of the 1997 conference quarterfinals).
Martin Necas opened the scoring in the first half for the Hurricanes, who took a one-goal lead into the first half. The Hurricanes took a two-goal lead on a powerful Seth Jarvis goal in the second period before Vincent Trochek scored to pull the Hurricanes to within one.
Trocheck is one of three players to score at least six goals in 10 postseason games for the Rangers in the past 20 years, following Kreider (6 in 2023 & 2022) and Michael Nylander (6 in 2007).
The Hurricanes regained their two-goal advantage midway through the third period on a goal by Sebastian Aho. Andrei Svechnikov recorded his 20th and 21st postseason assists, tying Jordan Staal for the fifth most in Hurricanes/Hartford Whalers history.
Kreider scored twice in the third period, with the second goal coming on the power play, tying the game midway through the third period before completing his hat trick.
Barclay Goodrow scored into an empty net to give Rangers the final margin of victory.
News and notes
Mika Zibanejad scored Kreider's first goal and became the third player in Rangers history with 10 assists in potential series-clinching games, joining Brian Leetch (14) and Messier (11).
The Rangers became the second team in NHL history to overcome a multi-goal deficit in the third period to clinch the series in multiple seasons (along with Game 6 of the 1940 Stanley Cup Final). The only other franchise to do so is the Montreal Canadiens(5x).
The Rangers became the sixth Conference champion to advance to the conference finals in the last 20 years (since 2004). Others: 2014-15 Rangers, 2012-13 Chicago Blackhawks, 2010-11 Vancouver Canucks, 2007-08 Detroit Red Wings and 2006-07 Buffalo Sabres. Chicago and Detroit are the only clubs to win the Stanley Cup.
The Rangers will face the winner of the Boston Bruins and the Florida Panthers. The Panthers hold a 3-2 advantage in the series heading into Game 6 on Friday, May 17.
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