Rangers to fix three key areas in order to beat Hurricanes

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Ryan Hall
May 16, 2024 (8:54)

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After losing 4-1 in game five against the Hurricanes, the Rangers need to go back to the drawing board and fix three key areas to help them beat Carolina and closeout the series to move on to the Eastern Conference final.

More Shots and chances on Andersen

Firstly, the Rangers need to improve their scoring chances by putting more shots and more dangerous chances against Carolina's netminder Freddie Andersen. Andersen Who has shown his weakness which has stretched back in his days with the Toronto Maple Leafs of letting a weak goal at the wrong time which deflates his team or potentially loses the game. If the Rangers can sustain their offence more often and overwhelm Carolina like in the first three games, it's likely that they can win.

Defensive end needs to be strong

It was apparent in the first three games of the series that the Rangers were able to limit the shots and chances by playing defensively sound against the Hurricanes. There were many moments where the Hurricanes could not even muster a shot against Igor Shesterkin which in turn led the Rangers to either receive a turnover or move the puck out of their own end for several 2 on ones or even 3 on ones plays. This sound defensive game needs to come back to the Rangers in hopes of helping build offence.

Rangers star power to return

Lastly, the biggest missing component to the Rangers game currently is the lack of offence from their star power. Players like Artemi Panarin who were dynamite for the first three games and somewhat lethal against Hurricanes have completely disappeared and have been downright awful at times.

Panarin's numbers are obvious as through the 1st seven playoff games, he had four goals with five assists for 9 points and a + 2. Through his last two playoff games he has no points and is a - 5.

in the end, it's up to the players to find a way to dig themselves out of this mini slump and get back to their winning ways and being dominant against this Hurricanes team.

Game 6 will be in Raleigh NC and will be held on May 16th. Game time will be at 7:00 PM eastern.