Chaos erupts after Svechnikov flattens Igor Shesterkin behind the net

Tensions escalated early in the matchup when Carolina's Andrei Svechnikov entangled Rangers goalie Igor Shesterkin in a contentious incident behind the net.

The incident occurred midway through the first period as Shesterkin ventured out to handle the puck. Svechnikov, rather than avoiding the goalie, seemed to deliberately position his stick in a way that tripped Shesterkin, in what's known in hockey as a "can opener" move.

The Rangers' bench erupted in anger following the play, leading to a heated scrum that spilled toward the penalty boxes. Even Shesterkin, caught up in the heat of the moment, advanced toward the fray, clearly intent on confronting Svechnikov himself.

The altercation has set a fiery tone for tonight's game, as the Hurricanes seek redemption and the Rangers aim to protect their lead in the series.