Rangers outlast Panthers in Game 2 to even series

The New York Rangers outlasted the Florida Panthers in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Final on Friday, winning in overtime to even up the best-of-seven series at one game apiece.

At 14:01 of overtime, Rangers forward Barclay Goodrow netted the game-winner, firing a wrister top-shelf over the blocker of Panthers goalie Sergei Bobrovsky.

A surprising offensive contributor for the Rangers this postseason, Goodrow was the hero in the extra session. During the playoffs alone, he's scored four goals, equaling his total over 80 regular season games during the 2023-2024 campaign.

Goodrow's massive goal helped the Rangers avoid what would have been a devasting 0-2 hole with the series shifting to Sunrise. Meanwhile, it also bucked a recent trend, as heading into Friday, road teams had won 9 of 13 overtime games during this year's playoffs.

In a tight-checking contest, the momentum in Game 2 tilted back and forth. The Rangers would dominate for a time, followed by the Panthers' inevitable answer. But, in the end, New York would land the final blow.

The Rangers came out looking to set the tone with some early physicality, ultimately leading to the game's first goal. After being shut out by the Panthers in Game 1, New York got on the board only 4:12 into the first period, when strong forechecking led to a Vincent Trocheck tap-in.

After taking their licks early, the Panthers began to match the Rangers' rough-and-tumble play. The pushback resulted in Florida's first powerplay goal since Game 4 of the semifinals against the Boston Bruins. With 1:51 left in the first period, Carter Verhaeghe snuck one past Rangers netminder Igor Shesterkin to tie the score 1-1.

After Verhaeghe's equalizer, the goaltenders and a few posts shined over the rest of regulation until Goodrow's OT winner. Overall, Bobrovsky made more saves (29) than Shesterkin (25), but the Rangers goaltender made them when they counted to stay undefeated in three overtime contests this postseason.

Desperate for a win, the Rangers notched a well-earned victory in Game 2. But it's seemingly just the start of what's shaping up to be a battle that could very well take seven games to decide.