New York Rangers and Carolina Hurricanes players shake hands after game six. Photo: Josh Lavallee/NHLI via Getty Images
The Carolina Hurricanes' once-promising season ended in a gut punch Thursday night, with the New York Rangers winning 5-3 in Raleigh to eliminate the Canes in game six.
The Rangers scored four unanswered goals in the third period, turning what looked like a solid two-goal lead for the Canes with a game seven within reach into a season ender.
Why it matters: The Canes now face a pivotal offseason, as nine of their players become unrestricted free agents — including key players like Brady Skjei and Teuvo Teravainen — and coach Rod Brind'Amour's contract expires.
The team, which has made six straight playoff berths, could look dramatically different next season.
What they're saying: "These guys played their butts off all year. But this is what you're going to remember. And that's the hard part," Brind'Amour told the Associated Press after the game.
