The Hurricanes finally seemed to crack the Rangers in Game 5, which may completely change this series.
Nobody said it would be easy.
Prior to the Rangers-Canes tournament, the general feeling was that it could go six
games; maybe seven because the teams finished one-two in the Metro Division.
What made things topsy-turvy was New York's bursting from the starting gate with three wins.
Then, faster than you can say "The Dreaded Three-Game Lead," the Canes not only are alive but can smell a win in Game Six after looking 1-0 dead after two periods on Monday night at The World's Most Famous Arena.
"We had to win a period," reflected Canes coach Rod Brind'Amour. "It wasn't like we were dead. We're very much alive."
More than 18,000 witnesses will attest to that.
Rangers fans didn't mind the Game Four loss too much because they preferred to personally hail the series victory on home ice
Figuratively speaking, the capacity crowd felt a collective slap in the face. Their favorite team lacked the urgency that the ticket-holders experienced. And if the players missed the point the critics advised them with a chorus of boos.
But on the other hand, those of us who enjoy a raw hockey melodrama have to be
delighted that there's a sixth game guaranteed and possibly even a seventh at Jimmy Dolan's favorite playground.
Dolan's cash ledger just loves seventh games!