NEW YORK (AP) — The Carolina Hurricanes had the NHL's second-best power play during the regular season. They've been bottled up the New York Rangers and that's been the difference in their second-round playoff series.
The Hurricanes converted at 26.9% during the season — behind only the Tampa Bay Lightning. After going 5 for 15 (33.3%) in the first round against the New York Islanders, they've been shut down on 10 advantages through two games against the Rangers.
Special teams was the key in the series opener as Carolina went 0 for 5 in the 4-3 loss on Sunday while New York scored on both its chances. The Hurricanes went 0 for 5 again and gave up two more power-play goals in a 4-3 loss in two overtimes in Game 2 on Tuesday night to fall into an 0-2 series hole.
“Everyone knows our special teams have to get better,” Carolina's Jordan Staal said. "We’ll get better and find a way to turn the tide in the series.”
After managing just five shots on goal during power plays in Game 1, they totaled six with the advantage in Game 2.
“We definitely got be sharper,” Carolina coach Rod Brind’Amour said. “We got to get inside. We were all on the outside and that’s just not how we do it. ... We got to get back to doing it the way we know how to.”
They got their first opportunity in Game 2 when the Rangers' Will Cuylle was sent off for goalie interference after running into Frederik Andersen while driving to the net early in the opening period. Carolina managed two shots on goal, had one blocked and missed on another.
They got their second chance early in the second when Rangers captain Jacob Trouba was called for high-sticking. However, that advantage lasted just 2 seconds when Andrei Svechnikov was sent off for interference off the ensuing faceoff. Svechnikov also took a penalty 6 seconds into a power play in the final minute of Game 1.
Carolina had another abbreviated power play midway through the second with Trouba in the box for tripping when Jake Guentzel was called for roughing 51 seconds into the advantage. The Hurricanes managed just two shots on goal during that advantage.
On the other end, the Hurricanes had the league's best penalty-kill during the season, but gave up the Rangers' third power-play goal of the series when Chris Kreider scored the tying goal early in the third period, and then Vincent Trocheck scored the winner 7:24 into the second overtime.
The Hurricanes got their fourth power play of the night when Trouba was sent off for tripping — his third penalty of the night — at 7:57 of overtime. Rangers goalie Igor Shesterkin made nice saves on attempts by Sebastian Aho and Jaccob Slavin.
“We’re working hard,” Rangers coach Peter Laviolette said. “I know what they have on the other side to their power play and I think our penalty kill was working real hard, trying to do the right things and we’ve gotten big saves from Igor (Shesterkin) when we needed them.”
The Hurricanes, who finished 0 for 5 on the power play, got an advantage when Artemi Panarin was called for hooking at 3:28 in the second OT. They managed just one shot.
The Rangers, who were third on the penalty kill during the season, have killed off 18 straight penalties to improve to 25 for 27 in the postseason.
AP NHL playoffs: https://apnews.com/hub/stanley-cup and https://www.ap)news.com/hub/NHL
New York Rangers right wing Kaapo Kakko (24), left wing Will Cuylle (50) and Carolina Hurricanes center Jesperi Kotkaniemi (82) fight for the puck during the first period in Game 2 of an NHL hockey Stanley Cup second-round playoff series, Tuesday, May 7, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Julia Nikhinson)
New York Rangers defenseman K'Andre Miller (79) and Carolina Hurricanes center Jake Guentzel (59) fight for the puck during the first period in Game 2 of an NHL hockey Stanley Cup second-round playoff series, Tuesday, May 7, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Julia Nikhinson)
New York Rangers left wing Alexis Lafrenière (13) and Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Brent Burns (8) vie for the puck during the second period in Game 2 of an NHL hockey Stanley Cup second-round playoff series Tuesday, May 7, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Julia Nikhinson)
MANCHESTER, England (AP) — Manchester City fans could hardly stand the wait for the final whistle.
Not because they feared a last-minute twist and the unlikeliest of comebacks from West Ham.
The tension during the dying moments of the Premier League season at Etihad Stadium was simply because fans couldn't wait to get the party started after a record fourth straight English top flight title for Pep Guardiola's dominant team.
A 3-1 win on the day made certain of that and soon a sea of light blue shirts flooded the field. Flares and the smell of sulphur filled the air and delirious fans danced, posed for selfies and simply savored the moment - ignoring the futile pleas from the stadium announcer and messaging on the big screens instructing them to return to their seats.
Winning has become a familiar feeling in these parts. And there is no sign of it getting old.
“It feels just as amazing as the first one. We worked so hard for it,” City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne said. “It has been a tough battle with Arsenal and Liverpool this year, and you know to be here again doing something historic is amazing.”
Four titles in a row is also six in seven seasons for Guardiola, who has won 17 trophies and counting since heading to the blue half of Manchester in 2016. That number could rise to 18 as soon as next week when City plays Manchester United in the FA Cup final.
In all, Guardiola has won 38 trophies as a coach at Barcelona, Bayern Munich and City to strengthen the case for him to be considered the greatest manager of his era. By comparison, Carlo Ancelotti has won 28, including a record four Champions League titles — one more than Guardiola — and the chance to make that five when Real Madrid meets Borussia Dortmund in this year's final of European club soccer's most prestigious competition.
“Everyone in football is in awe of his (Guardiola's) coaching but there is more to it than that," outgoing West Ham manager David Moyes said. “Four in a row is incredible.”
Another question that will be debated long and hard is whether this City team should be considered English soccer's greatest of all time.
No other English team has won four titles in succession. Not during Liverpool's dominant era in the 1970s and 80s - and not during United's in the 90s and 2000s.
That alone sets City apart - and by winning the Champions League last season, it has also completed a full set of major trophies during an era of unprecedented success.
“In terms of numbers, nobody has been better than us - the records, the goals, the points and four in a row,” Guardiola said. “If I land here tomorrow and you say I will win six Premier Leagues in seven years, I would say ‘Are you crazy?’ It’s impossible. We have done something unbelievable.”
Guardiola took over a team that was already among the wealthiest in the world after being bought by the ruling family of Abu Dhabi in 2008 and had won two Premier League titles before his arrival. He has gone on to create a near-unstoppable force domestically and continues to hold off the challengers to City's throne.
Arsenal has taken up the fight, previously offered by United and then Liverpool - and pushed City to the wire this season, having fallen away during the run-in a year earlier.
Still, Mikel Arteta's team couldn't quite get over the line and finished two points behind the champion after a 2-1 win against Everton in its final game on Sunday.
Arsenal looks likeliest to push City closest in the coming years, especially now that Jurgen Klopp has stepped down at Liverpool, while Man United looks set for a period of more upheaval.
Whether Arsenal will be able to go one better in the future remains to be seen, given City's financial power to strengthen further and the age of key players like footballer of the year Phil Foden and back-to-back Premier League golden boot-winner Erling Haaland.
“We got the message from Mikel and his players. We have to make the right decisions in the next years because they are here to stay,” Guardiola said. “They are so young and have experience in the Champions League. For two years (they) were close.”
How long Guardiola stays on could have a big bearing on City's continued rule. His contract runs until the end of next season.
The outcome of the 115 charges made against City for alleged financial wrongdoing could also be significant. City denies wrongdoing.
That fight is off the field and still to come.
Right now, as far as City's fans are concerned, another party has only just begun.
SO CLOSE
Arsenal could do no more. A 2-1 win against Everton at Emirates Stadium meant City had to beat West Ham to retain its title. It also meant the Gunners lost just once from the turn of the year to the end of the season.
That 2-0 home defeat against Aston Villa proved to be decisive though, giving City an advantage it never relinquished.
“What can I say? I feel sorry for all the Arsenal fans. We gave our best but it wasn’t enough,” Arsenal forward Kai Havertz said. “Maybe in two or three months we can say it was a good fight. Right now I feel like we deserve more.”
Having spent $138 million on Declan Rice and also recruiting Havertz ahead of this season, Arteta will have to weigh up how to improve his team further.
A prolific striker may be his priority, but his team only scored five fewer goals than City and ended with the same goal difference.
“Now we have to be more determined, very courageous, very ambitious, and we need to go to a different level. We need to deliver,” Arteta said.
UNITED PAIN
Manchester United must beat City in Saturday’s FA Cup final to secure European soccer for next season.
Even a 2-0 win over Brighton couldn’t prevent Erik ten Hag’s team from finishing eighth in the standings — United’s lowest in the Premier League era.
“It is not good enough by far,” Ten Hag said. “Although we had less than 60 points two years ago, 58 points, eighth is the worst performance. It is the truth, but we should have done better.”
Newcastle finished seventh, above United on goal difference, after a 4-2 win at Brentford.
Chelsea beat Bournemouth 2-1 and finished sixth in the table, with Moises Caicedo scoring a goal from just past the halfway line.
Mauricio Pochettino has managed to salvage a troubled season by qualifying for Europe, yet his future has become a source of increased speculation.
“That is a question for the owners and the sporting director,” he said.
KLOPP’S FAREWELL
Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool reign ended with a 2-0 win against Wolves.
While his farewell campaign ultimately ended in disappointment as Liverpool’s title bid fizzled out, Klopp’s status as an Anfield and Premier League icon is secure.
The German is standing down after winning a full set of major trophies in more than eight years at the club.
“When you are in it, you forget sometimes how great it is,” Klopp said. “You take it for granted. Now I stand here, I’m just so happy I’m a part of the club’s history. It’s wonderful.”
With Champions League qualification already secured, fourth-place Aston Villa was routed 5-0 at Crystal Palace.
Tottenham, in fifth, ended the season with a 3-0 win at last-place Sheffield United.
LUTON RELEGATED
Luton's relegation was confirmed after a 4-2 loss at home against Fulham.
Nottingham Forest, which was one place above Luton, beat second from bottom Burnley 2-1.
James Robson is at https://twitter.com/jamesalanrobson
AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag smiles, ahead of the English Premier League soccer match between Brighton & Hove Albion and Manchester United, at the Amex Stadium, in Brighton and Hove, England, Sunday, May 19, 2024. (Steven Paston/PA via AP)
Manchester City's Erling Haaland celebrates with the trophy, at the end of the English Premier League soccer match between Manchester City and West Ham United at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, England, Sunday, May 19, 2024. Manchester City clinched the English Premier League on Sunday after beating West Ham in their last match of the season.: (Martin Rickett/PA via AP)
Manchester City's Kevin De Bruyne celebrates with the Premier League trophy after the English Premier League soccer match between Manchester City and West Ham United at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, England, Sunday, May 19, 2024. Manchester City clinched the English Premier League on Sunday after beating West Ham in their last match of the season. (AP Photo/Dave Thompson)
Manchester City's head coach Pep Guardiola, right, celebrates with Manchester City's Phil Foden at the end of the English Premier League soccer match between Manchester City and West Ham United at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, England, Sunday, May 19, 2024. Manchester City clinched the English Premier League on Sunday after beating West Ham in their last match of the season. (AP Photo/Dave Thompson)
Liverpool's manager Jurgen Klopp reacts to fans after the English Premier League soccer match between Liverpool and Wolverhampton Wanderers at Anfield Stadium in Liverpool, England, Sunday, May 19, 2024. (AP Photo/Jon Super)
Fans greet Liverpool's manager Jurgen Klopp during the English Premier League soccer match between Liverpool and Wolverhampton Wanderers at Anfield Stadium in Liverpool, England, Sunday, May 19, 2024. (AP Photo/Jon Super)
Liverpool's manager Jurgen Klopp reacts after his very last match with Liverpool after the English Premier League soccer match between Liverpool and Wolverhampton Wanderers at Anfield Stadium in Liverpool, England, Sunday, May 19, 2024. (AP Photo/Jon Super)
Jurgen Klopp takes a selfie after his final game as Liverpool manager, at the end of the English Premier League soccer match between Liverpool and Wolverhampton Wanderers at Anfield Stadium, in Liverpool, England, Sunday, May 19, 2024. (AP Photo/Jon Super)
Arsenal's Jorginho and Arsenal's Oleksandr Zinchenko, right, applaud spectators at the end of the English Premier League soccer match between Arsenal and Everton at the Emirates stadium in London, Sunday, May 19, 2024. Arsenal won the match 2-1 but it was not enough to clinch the Premier League title as Manchester City won their last match of the season the top the season ending standings. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta applauds spectators at the end of the English Premier League soccer match between Arsenal and Everton at the Emirates stadium in London, Sunday, May 19, 2024. Arsenal won the match 2-1 but it was not enough to clinch the Premier League title as Manchester City won their last match of the season to top the season ending standings. (Mike Egerton/PA via AP)
Arsenal's Martin Odegaard reacts at the end of the English Premier League soccer match between Arsenal and Everton at the Emirates stadium in London, Sunday, May 19, 2024. Arsenal won the match 2-1 but it was not enough to clinch the Premier League title as Manchester City won their last match of the season the top the season ending standings. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)
Manchester City fans celebrate at the end of the English Premier League soccer match between Manchester City and West Ham United at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, England, Sunday, May 19, 2024. Manchester City clinched the English Premier League on Sunday after beating West Ham in their last match of the season. (AP Photo/Dave Thompson)
Manchester City's head coach Pep Guardiola celebrates at the end of the English Premier League soccer match between Manchester City and West Ham United at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, England, Sunday, May 19, 2024. Manchester City clinched the English Premier League on Sunday after beating West Ham in their last match of the season. (AP Photo/Dave Thompson)
Manchester City fans celebrate during the English Premier League soccer match between Manchester City and West Ham United at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, England, Sunday, May 19, 2024. (AP Photo/Dave Thompson)
Manchester City's Jeremy Doku celebrates at the end of the English Premier League soccer match between Manchester City and West Ham United at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, England, Sunday, May 19, 2024. Manchester City clinched the English Premier League on Sunday after beating West Ham in their last match of the season. (AP Photo/Dave Thompson)
Manchester City fans celebrate after Manchester City's Phil Foden scores his side's opening goal during the English Premier League soccer match between Manchester City and West Ham United at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, England, Sunday, May 19, 2024. (AP Photo/Dave Thompson)
Manchester City's Kyle Walker celebrates with the Premier League trophy after the English Premier League soccer match between Manchester City and West Ham United at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, England, Sunday, May 19, 2024. Manchester City clinched the English Premier League on Sunday after beating West Ham in their last match of the season. (AP Photo/Dave Thompson)
