After each team won a contentious first-round series in game seven, the Carolina Hurricanes and New York Rangers are getting set to faceoff in the second round with a trip to the Eastern Conference Finals on the line.
Things will get underway Wednesday night in PNC Arena, as the Canes will once again have the home-ice advantage looking to improve on their perfect 4-0 playoff start in Raleigh.
As is always the case, special teams will play a huge role in this second-round series. The Hurricanes had some special teams issues in the first round, particularly on the road in Boston, while the Rangers scored on the power play in five of seven games in the first round including Artemi Panarin’s game-seven overtime winner.