How to watch Carolina Hurricanes vs New York Rangers, Game 1 on Saturday
Carolina Hurricanes vs New York Rangers
What: Game 1, Qualifying Round.
When: Saturday, Noon
Where: Scotiabank Arena, Toronto.
Watch, listen: FOX Sports Carolinas is broadcasting the game remotely from PNC Arena, with Mike Maniscalco handling play by play and Tripp Tracy the analyst.
Look for: Who’s in net. Canes coach Rod Brind’Amour will have either Petr Mrazek or James Reimer as his starting goalie. Rangers coach David Quinn could go with rookie Igor Shesterkin or the old pro, Henrik Lundqvist, who beat the Canes three times this season with a .947 save percentage and has dominated them in the past.
Questions: Can the Canes find a way to contain the Rangers’ skill guys such as Mika Zibanejad and Artemi Panarin? That will be harder with defenseman Dougie Hamilton unable to play Game 1. The Rangers can quickly transition to offense and have the speed to get down ice. The Canes must establish a forecheck early and maintain pressure in the offensive zone, and be cleaner in the defensive zone.
Of note: As the designated home team and the higher seed, the Canes will have “last change” in Game 1. During any stop in play, Quinn must first send out any line or defensive changes and Brind’Amour then can counter with what he hopes presents favorable matchups for Carolina.
Quotable: “I’m fired up. I think when the playoffs come around you get amped up. You get to that extra level.” -- Canes defenseman Brady Skjei.
Up next: Game 2, Monday at noon in Scotiabank Arena.
