NEW YORK — Mika Zibanejad scored two first-period goals, and Igor Shesterkin‘s 22 saves helped lead the Rangers to a 4-3 victory over the Hurricanes in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference Semifinals best-of-seven series on Sunday afternoon in front of a sellout crowd of 18,006 at Madison Square Garden.

Zibanejad (four) tied the Rangers’ mark for the longest multi-point streak in the playoffs. Adam Fox (2021-22), Pierre Larouche (1985-86) and Don Maloney (1978-79) also scored in four consecutive games for the Rangers.

Vincent Trocheck also chipped in a goal and an assist. Chris Kreider had two assists as the Rangers won their fifth consecutive playoff game following the sweep of the Capitals last week.

“It’s easy to sit here and talk about it after a win,” Zibanejad said following the game. “You want to get involved, and you score and contribute and help your team, and that’s a good feeling. But it is one game and we have to keep going.”

Shesterkin was fifth in save percentage entering the first game of the series. He continued his strong play by allowing just two goals, and one came on a deflection off a Ranger player’s stick.

With his fifth win of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs, Shesterkin became the third goaltender in Rangers history — following Mike Richter and Dave Kerr— to record wins in his first five postseason games. Shesterkin’s play was so strong that after a Jordan Staal breakaway save in the second period, the Ranger fans shouted Igor in support of the 28-year-old.

Hurricanes goalie Frederik Andersen, who allowed 2.25 goals per game in the playoffs stopped 19 of 23 shots.

Early on, both teams played a physical, fast style on both ends of the ice, which led to six penalties in the first period.

The Rangers’ power play made a big difference early in the game. They converted each of their power-play opportunities in the first period, scoring nine and 14 seconds on their two power-play goals.

Conversely, the Hurricanes were 0 for 2 on the power play chances during the first 20 minutes. Carolina had multiple scoring opportunities in the first period and only scored one goal. The Hurricanes were 0 for 5 on power play opportunities, which was a significant factor in the game.

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