Three takeaways as Rangers take commanding 3-0 series lead on Hurricanes

The New York Rangers did it again on Thursday night, beating the Carolina Hurricanes in overtime, 3-2, for the second consecutive game. They now have a commanding 3-0 series lead and remain perfect in the playoffs with a 7-0 record through the first two rounds.

Artemi Panarin scored the game-winning goal just two minutes into overtime. 

Let's take a look at three reasons for their continued success.

1. Igor Shesterkin is the best player on the ice every night

Goaltending changes everything in the playoffs, and right now, there is nobody better in the NHL than the Rangers' Shesterkin.

Thursday's game was the 30th consecutive playoff game where he has allowed three goals or fewer, and he completely shut down the Hurricanes for a third straight game by stopping 45 out of 47 shots. That gives him a .934 save percentage in the postseason, raising his career postseason save percentage over .930 for his career. 

Just for comparisons sake, the NHL average league save percentage the past two seasons has been around .905. He is not only the best goalie in the league right now; he is a complete game-changer.

2. The Rangers special teams remain dominant

The Rangers are not always the best or most efficient five-on-five team, and they have actually been outscored at even-strength in this series. But their special teams have been downright dominant and have completely flipped this series in their favor.

The Rangers have already scored four power-play goals in the first three games, while they also added a short-handed goal on Thursday night to tie the game in the second period.