RALEIGH, N.C. — Coughing up a lead in the third period not only cost the Rangers a chance to clinch a playoff berth Thursday night in Carolina, they slipped into third place in the Metropolitan Division after the 4-3 loss to the Hurricanes.
Leading by a goal, the Rangers allowed two in the first half of the final period. Hurricanes forward Jeff Skinner tipped in the goal that tied that game at 3 at 4:22 of the third period. Then at 9:06, Viktor Rask put Carolina ahead 4-3 on a rebound, but Rangers coach Alain Vigneault challenged the goal, believing defenseman Justin Faulk did not keep the puck inside the blue line with his glove.