Paul Stastny’s overtime winner clinches first round for Hurricanes over Islanders

Paul Stastny scored 6:01 into overtime, and the Carolina Hurricanes beat the New York Islanders 2-1 on Friday night in Game 6 to advance to the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs.

Sebastian Aho tied it midway through the third period for the Hurricanes. Frederik Andersen stopped 35 shots while making his first start of the postseason.

Cal Clutterbuck scored for the Islanders and Ilya Sorokin finished with 39 saves. New York was eliminated in the first round for the first time in their last five trips to the postseason.

The Hurricanes advanced to face the winner of the series between the New York Rangers and New Jersey Devils. The Devils lead 3-2 heading into Game 6 on Saturday night.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Hurricanes celebrate overtime winner

The Carolina Hurricanes celebrate after defeating the New York Islanders in overtime in Game Six of the First Round of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs at UBS Arena on April 28, 2023 in Elmont, New York. The Carolina Hurricanes defeated the New York Islanders in the series 4-2.  (Josh Lavallee/NHLI via Getty Images)

Derek Stepan started the winning sequence in overtime when he intercepted Islanders defenseman Adam Pelech’s clearing pass. Stepan skated up and passed to Stastny, who fired a sharp-angle shot from the goal line that deflected off Sorokin’s left pad and between his legs.

It was Stastny’s third career overtime playoff winner.

After getting outshot in each of the first two periods, the Hurricanes had a 19-5 edge in the third and tied the score midway through the period.

Paul Stastny celebrates

Paul Stastny #26 of the Carolina Hurricanes reacts after scoring the game winning goal in overtime against Ilya Sorokin #30 of the New York Islanders in Game Six of the First Round of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs at UBS Arena on April 28, 2023 in Elmont, New York. (Mike Stobe/NHLI via Getty Images)

INTOXICATED WOMAN FOUND IN AVALANCHE’S VALERI NICHUSHKIN HOTEL ROOM HOSPITALIZED: REPORTS

Sorokin denied a backhand shot by Jesse Puljujarvi 2:13 into the third to keep the Hurricanes off the scoreboard. At the other end, Andersen saved a shot by Casey Cizikas less than 10 seconds later. Sorokin also had a nice glove save on Jordan Martinook at 8:17.

Aho from the left doorstep at 9:24 as he knocked the puck down out of the air with his glove and knocked it past Sorokin. It was his fourth goal of the series.

The Islanders outshot the Hurricanes 17-11 in a scoreless second period that saw both sides have plenty of scoring chances.

Canes celebrate series winning goal

Paul Stastny #26 of the Carolina Hurricanes celebrates with teammates after scoring the game winning goal in overtime against the New York Islanders in Game Six of the First Round of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs at UBS Arena on April 28, 2023 in Elmont, New York.  (Mike Stobe/NHLI via Getty Images)

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Sorokin gloved Brady Skjei’s point shot 1:03 into the second period. Andersen then gloved a shot from between the circles by Brock Nelson four minutes later.

Check Also

Exciting episode of Wine and Gold Talk Podcast covering NBA betting impact, Cavs injuries, late-game plays. Check it out!

In the latest episode of the Wine and Gold Talk podcast, the hosts dive into …