Rangers Advance to Eastern Conference Final with Kreider Hat Trick; Panthers Win 2-1

May 18, 2024, 01:46 AM

The New York Rangers advanced to the Eastern Conference Final after a dramatic 5-3 victory over the Carolina Hurricanes. Chris Kreider led the comeback with a hat trick in the third period, joining Mark Messier and Wayne Gretzky as the only Rangers to score three goals in a single playoff period. The Rangers scored four goals in the third period to stun Carolina. Kreider recorded his first ever playoff hat trick in the series-clinching game. This marks the Rangers' second trip to the conference final in three years. They will face the Florida Panthers, who secured their spot in the Eastern Conference Final by defeating the Boston Bruins 2-1. Gustav Forsling scored the game-winning goal with 1:33 left in regulation, sending the Panthers to their second consecutive conference final.