Latest news with #EastFinal
Yahoo
01-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Rangers' Igor Shesterkin named top Russian goalie in NHL by friend, local rival
Igor Shesterkin of the New York Rangers and Ilya Sorokin of the New York Islanders are rivals on the ice but friends off it, dating to their days growing up and playing in Russia. Maybe that's why when Sorokin was asked in a recent interview back home who was the better goaltender, he had a simple, one-word answer. 'Shesterkin.' Advertisement To be sure, Shesterkin has the better resume. He won the Vezina Trophy as the top NHL goalie in 2021-22 and led the Rangers to the Eastern Conference Final in 2022 and 2024. He's also entering the first season of an eight-year contract with an average annual value of $11.5 million, the highest for a goaltender in NHL history. Sorokin was an NHL Second-Team All-Star in 2022-23, when he was a Vezina finalist, and teamed with fellow Russian Semyon Varlamov to get the Islanders to Game 7 of the East Final in 2021. When asked to compare some Russian goaltenders, Sorokin quickly took Varlamov ahead of Ilya Samsonov. He wasn't so quick to answer when asked to choose between his teammate and Sergei Bobrovsky, who has led the Florida Panthers to back-to-back Stanley Cup championships. 'I can't betray Varlamov. Varlamov,' he finally answered. Advertisement But when asked to compare Varlamov to Shesterkin, he replied, 'I can do it here. Shesterkin,' The final question was whether he or his buddy is the better goalie, and he replied 'Shesterkin.' The numbers are on Shesterkin's side, though not by a lot. In the regular season, he is 162-88-22 with a 2.52 goals-against average, .917 save percentage and 21 shutouts. Sorokin, who came to the NHL a year after Shesterkin, is 125-89-36 with a 2.58 GAA, .917 save percentage and 22 shutouts. In the Stanley Cup Playoffs, Shesterkin is 23-20 with a 2.41 GAA and .928 save percentage. Sorokin is 6-6 with a 2.83 GAA and a .921 save percentage. Neither has had a postseason shutout. Advertisement Related: Dysfunctional Rangers focused more on 'emotional sh–' than playing hockey last season: Michael Peca Rangers rival finds way to tweak Igor Shesterkin with fun jab Sam Navarro-Imagn Images One thing Sorokin did do before his old friend was join the list of goaltenders credited with a goal. It happened on March 1, after he made a save in the final 20 seconds against the Nashville Predators at UBS Arena. The puck came to Nashville's Steven Stamkos in the left corner, but Stamkos' pass to the left point missed ex-Rangers defenseman Brady Skjei and slid down the ice into the empty net. 'I knew I'd do it before Igor,' Sorokin joked after the game. During a recent interview, conducted in Russian, Sorokin said his buddy wasted little time chirping him. Advertisement 'When they interviewed me, I said straight up that I'd do it before Igor,' Sorokin said. 'And he texts me, 'Congrats on the goal.' Then he read the interview and said, 'You're going to have to answer for those words.'' A lot of the chirping had to do with the fact that Sorokin didn't actually shoot the puck into the net, with Shesterkin joking that it wasn't a 'real goal.' The Islanders' netminder didn't mind. 'I totally agree, and I'm cool with it,' he said. 'Of course it wasn't a real shot. I didn't even shoot it. Just a technical 'own goal.' But in hockey, we don't have own goals, so I'm not stressing, it doesn't bother me at all that he says it's not a real goal.' Thomas Salus-Imagn Images No Rangers goalie has ever been credited with a goal, although Hall of Famer Ed Giacomin, arguably the best puck-handler of his era, did become the first goalie to have two assists in a game on March 19, 1972, more than seven years before Billy Smith of the Islanders became the first NHL goalie to be credited with a goal. On Nov. 28, 1979, Smith, like Sorokin, was the last Islanders player to touch the puck before Colorado Rockies defenseman Rob Ramage missed connections on a pass from behind the Isles' goal line and the puck slid back into Colorado's net. Advertisement Shesterkin, who scored a goal in 2013 when he played junior hockey in Russia, has come within inches of doing it several times in the NHL and is considered one of the League's best stick-handlers among goalies. He missed by a few feet wide left against Utah on Jan. 16. That wasn't his first near-miss. He barely missed wide left against the Ottawa Senators on Feb. 21, 2022, and again against the Florida Panthers at Madison Square Garden on Jan. 23, 2023. 'I was mad at myself,' Shesterkin said after the miss against the Panthers. 'I thought I would get a chance — and scoring in Madison Square Garden, I think it's the dream for everybody, not only for goalies.' Related Headlines
Yahoo
07-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Carolina Hurricanes most to blame for East Final loss to Panthers
The post Carolina Hurricanes most to blame for East Final loss to Panthers appeared first on ClutchPoints. The Carolina Hurricanes lost Game 5 to the Florida Panthers and have been officially eliminated from the Stanley Cup Playoffs. After losing yet another Stanley Cup Playoff series to the Florida Panthers, who is to blame for the Hurricanes? Advertisement The series did not start so well for the Hurricanes. Unfortunately, they endured two straight blowout losses to the Panthers at the Lenovo Center, including a 5-0 shutout loss in Game 2. It just was not a good start for the Hurricanes, and there were many people to point the finger at. Overall, the Canes simply did not step up when they needed to. The Hurricanes made numerous mistakes in Game 3, putting them in a 3-0 hole. Ultimately, they were unable to rally back, despite winning Game 4, and lost the series in five games. The Panthers simply outmatched the Hurricanes in the Eastern Conference Final, and almost never let up. Now, the Canes are left scratching their heads, and there are several players who share the blame. Frederik Andersen It got so bad for Frederik Andersen that the Canes actually benched him in Game 3, opting for goalie Pyotr Kochetkov. When that did not work, the Canes turned back to Andersen. Yes, he pitched a shutout in Game 4. But Game 5 did not go so well for him. Andersen finished with an .806 save percentage in his four Eastern Conference Final games. Advertisement Andersen was having a solid run in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, finishing with an 8-2 record, a 2.02 goals-against average, and a .906 save percentage over 13 games. Yet, it was the Panthers that tripped him up, also bringing up questions about the team's goaltending. Consider the fact that Andersen allowed five goals on 20 shots in Game 1, and four goals on 16 shots in Game 2, highlighting that goaltending was a huge issue. Game 5 was the final stroke, as Andersen somehow allowed two goals in a span of one minute in the second period to blow a 2-0 lead. After being in serious talks with John Gibson earlier this season, this series reminded everyone why that conversation had taken place. Andersen wilted under the pressure of the Panthers and the Eastern Conference Final. Taylor Hall Taylor Hall was supposed to be the depth guy to help the Hurricanes get over the edge. Unfortunately, the former first overall pick was a no-show, especially in Game 5 when he failed to register a point. Advertisement The Hurricanes had just extended Hall to a new contract, and it seemed like he was poised to be one of their better depth guys. Significantly, he had two goals and four assists through the first 10 playoff games, and it looked like he was doing his job well. Then, the Eastern Conference Final began, and he went missing. Hall started the series with a plus/minus of -1 in Games 1 and 2 while failing to score a point. Then, he registered an ugly plus/minus of -4 in Game 3. While he fired two shots in Game 4, he had zero in the decisive game. Hall was unable to even be a threat, which is unheard of for a second-line player. Hall was once a great player with unlimited potential. However, his failure to register a point in the Eastern Conference Final proved to be incredibly damaging for a Canes team that needed scoring badly. Because of that, Hall was one of the main reasons why the Hurricanes ultimately faltered in this series against the Panthers. Logan Stankoven While Logan Stankoven had a great Game 4, he took a long time to get there. Ultimately, the rookie center was inconsistent throughout the Eastern Conference Final. It all started with poor performances in Games 1 and 2. He did not score a point and had a plus/minus mark of -1 in each game. Advertisement Stankoven finally came alive in Game 3, scoring a goal and an assist. Then, he added a goal in Game 4. But he went quiet again in Game 5, not registering a single shot and also putting a plus/minus of -1. Look, it's tough to blame a rookie for a team's failures. But the Hurricanes traded Mikko Rantanen to the Stars in the deal that brought him over to Carolina. For that value, Stankoven should have been more of a player in this series. Instead, he floundered when the Canes needed him the most. The upside here is that Stankoven showed what he could do when he was firing on all cylinders. Unfortunately, the Hurricanes will have to wait until next season to see that upside pay off. For now, Stankoven shares the blame as the Hurricanes have endured another elimination and an offseason filled with more questions.
Yahoo
07-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Hurricanes' Jesper Fast makes retirement decision after missing 2024-25
The post Hurricanes' Jesper Fast makes retirement decision after missing 2024-25 appeared first on ClutchPoints. The Carolina Hurricanes lost to the Florida Panthers in the Eastern Conference Final. Their embarrassing defeat, the third in the East Final in seven years, could prompt some changes. One player the Hurricanes won't be getting back is Jesper Fast, as he has decided to retire. The former Rangers forward did not play while dealing with a neck injury during the 2024-25 season. 'I never took for granted the privilege of playing in the best league in the world,' Fast told the Hurricanes website. 'I am grateful for all of the teammates, coaches, staff, and fans from the Rangers and Hurricanes who made my time in the NHL so special, and for my family for everything they did to help me achieve and live my dream. I'd also like to thank Nässjö HC and HV71, organizations that played a vital role in my development into an NHL player.' Advertisement Fast played seven seasons with the Rangers and four with the Hurricanes. scoring 91 goals in 703 regular-season games. He was a depth forward who played a key role in eight playoff berths in his 11 seasons. A neck injury cost him the 2024-25 season and is now forcing him to retire. Fast did not play in the final year of a two-year contract that paid him $2.4 million per season. He would have been an unrestricted free agent on July 1 if he had not retired. This move does not impact the Hurricanes' plans for free agency, which should lead them to add scoring this summer. Fast suffered the neck injury in the 2024 season finale against the Blue Jackets. It knocked him out of last year's playoffs, which saw them lose in the second round to the Rangers. After missing this year, the Finnish forward hangs up the skates. From a sixth-round pick to over 700 games played, it was a great career for Fast.
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Paul Maurice makes ‘life-altering' confession about Panthers' run
The post Paul Maurice makes 'life-altering' confession about Panthers' run appeared first on ClutchPoints. For the third year in a row, the Florida Panthers will play for hockey immortality. Paul Maurice's group came from behind in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Final, beating the Carolina Hurricanes 5-3 and once again giving themselves a chance to capture the Stanley Cup. Advertisement 'It has been life altering coming to the rink and working with these men,' Maurice said afterwards, per team reporter Katie Engleson. Maurice made headlines for the words he exchanged with Hurricanes head coach Rod Brind'Amour, which he explained after the victory. Still, it's been a dominant couple of years for this Florida team; they've lost just one playoff series since 2023, and that was against the Vegas Golden Knights in the Finals two seasons ago. The celebration seemed a bit muted afterwards — especially compared to the 2023 East Final, when Matthew Tkachuk scored the series winner in Game 4 in the waning seconds. Maurice admitted that the team now knows what it takes to win, and it's all business this time around. Advertisement 'The bigger picture has changed maybe a little bit for our team,' the bench boss explained, per Amalie Benjamin. 'The first time, the fight to get to the Final, it's just such a big deal. And then you do it a couple of times, you understand that you're three-quarters of the way through and there's lots more than has to happen.' 'It was different than a few years ago,' echoed Tkachuk. 'I remember a few years ago, it felt like such an accomplishment from where we were at one point. I know we talked about it last year, it's part of the journey. Same way with this year. It's all business and we've got a bigger goal in mind.' Panthers will play Oilers or Stars in Cup Final Despite trailing 2-0 at the end of the first period, the Panthers found a way, scoring three times in the middle frame and twice in the third period — highlighted by a Carter Verhaeghe series winner with eight minutes left. Advertisement They'll now be off for at least a week as they await the winner of the Western Conference Final between the Dallas Stars and Edmonton Oilers. The Oilers lead the series 3-1 and can book their ticket to the championship series for the second straight year as soon as Thursday night in Texas. If that happens, the Stanley Cup Final will begin on Wednesday, June 4. If the Stars are able to extend the series to at least a Game 6 back in Alberta, the Finals will begin on Saturday, June 7. There's a strong possibility that the Panthers and Oilers are headed for a rematch, which would be a salivating prospect for hockey fans. Florida beat Edmonton last year in a thrilling Game 7, capping off one of the most exciting Finals in recent memory. The last time two teams met in consecutive seasons was way back in 2008-09, when the Detroit Red Wings and Pittsburgh Penguins each won a Stanley Cup — the Wings in 2008 and Pens in 2009. Either way, the Panthers know what's at stake — and they'll have a couple days of rest and relaxation before they try to win back-to-back Stanley Cups in 2025. If that happens, it would be almost impossible to not call this iteration of the franchise a dynasty.
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Panthers coach Paul Maurice provides injury updates before Stanley Cup Final
The post Panthers coach Paul Maurice provides injury updates before Stanley Cup Final appeared first on ClutchPoints. The Florida Panthers are in their third straight Stanley Cup Final as they face the Edmonton Oilers beginning June 4. They are also looking to repeat as champions, and the way to do so is to remain healthy. Advertisement On Saturday, coach Paul Maurice spoke on the status of three players who missed practice, per Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald. He said that forward A.J. Greer is 'the only question mark,' whereas Anton Lundell and Eetu Luostarinen should be good to go. Greer got injured in Game 3 of the East Final against the Carolina Hurricanes. Luostarinen left the first period of Game 5 with an injury. Lundell has endured a range of injuries and illnesses throughout this season. During that series, Maurice provided an injury update on key talent before Game 4 when the Panthers led the series 3-0. Greer, defenseman Niko Mikkola, and forward Sam Reinhart missed out, and the Hurricanes won Game 4. All three were back in the lineup for Game 5, and the Panthers won the series. The Panthers are coming into the Stanley Cup Final as slight betting underdogs against the Oilers. However, they have experience in playing for the title, which works in their favor. What the Panthers need to do to repeat The Panthers and Oilers are facing off for the second straight year. Florida has a few factors working in its favor, giving it a slight edge. Advertisement They have depth amongst their forwards. In addition to Luostarinen, Lundell, and Reinhart, Carter Verhaeghe and Sam Bennett have contributed to a line comprising of high scorers and physicality. They are led by superstars Sasha Barkov and Matthew Tkachuk, and also have Brad Marchand in the fold as well. The Panthers do well on power plays and have a solid defensive structure around them. Injuries notwithstanding, they have a foundation in place to repeat as Stanley Cup champions. It would be the first time that has happened since the Tampa Bay Lightning won it all in 2020 and 2021.
