The NHL’s Stanley Cup Playoffs continued to roll on Wednesday night, and that meant that three Game 5’s took place. In New York, the Rangers required victory just to stay alive having been hammered to the tune of conceding 14 goals in their last two losses to the Pittsburgh Penguins. They managed to do that, rallying after falling behind 2-0 to the visitors. Three goals rained in for them in less than three second-period minutes, giving them a lead that put them back in the series.
Jake Guentzel did score his second for the Pens shortly before the third period started to equalize, but Filip Cyril registered on a power play to start the third before Ryan Lindgren wrapped it up with 16 seconds left to give the Rangers a 5-3 win that takes the series back to Pittsburgh for Game 6. Elsewhere, the Florida Panthers and Calgary Flames each went up 3-2 thanks to home wins. The Panthers dug themselves an even bigger hole than the Rangers did, falling behind 3-0 to the Washington Capitals early in the second period, but they fought back to score five consecutive and win 5-3. Carter Verhaeghe was masterful in the comeback, scoring twice and posting three assists as he played a major part in all five Panthers’ goals. The Comeback Cats now get two shots at winning the series. The Flames also were on the comeback trail on the night, seeing the Dallas Stars edge out to a 1-0 lead heading into the third, but they also would not be denied on this occasion. Mikael Backlund and Andrew Mangiapane had a goal and an assist apiece as the hosts found three third-period goals to take control of a topsy-turvy series back.
