The Rangers’ fans have gotten used to chanting the Igor Shesterkins name. The Ig-or! chants have become a familiar tune in the heart of New York City, but recently, they broke out on several occasions in North Carolina’s state capitol. During Game 7, the Rangers’ blue became more prevalent in the PNC Arena. While Hurricanes’ fans slowly headed for the exits, they gave way to the Blueshirts’ faithful who had just poured into their home rink.
The Rangers Celebrated Their 6-2 Win Against the Hurricanes In Game 7
After the Rangers defeated the Hurricanes, a New York-style party broke out some 500 miles from Madison Square Garden. Celebrating their decisive 6-2 win, the Rangers ended their second-round playoff series by sending a message that they had actually arrived ahead of schedule. While beating the Pittsburgh Penguins was something the Rangers were definitely capable of and making the playoffs was an expectation, upending the Hurricanes, who were the Metro Division champion, was definitely a surprise. Their victory got them into the NHL’s upper echelon.
The Rangers Are Facing the Tampa Bay Lightning in the Conference Final
The road is about to get way more difficult from here on out for the Rangers. They are about to face the two-time defending Stanley Cup champion in the face of the Tampa Bay Lightning, who await them in the Eastern Conference Final. While that matchup poses a fair share of difficulties, the moment after their latest victory definitely belonged to the Rangers.
The Rangers ended the Canes’ seven-game home playoff winning streak, took over Raleigh, and left their fans to bask in the glory of the accomplishments of the Blueshirts. There hasn’t been such a position for their team before, this is certainly a refreshing break. Igor Shesterkin performed excellently in this series and ended even better. He made a 36-save performance on Memorial Day and kept the Hurricanes off the board until the third period. Unfortunately, goals from Tony DeAngelo and Max Domi ended his streak.
Predicted Best Fits for the Best Remaining Free Agents
Although many of the big names have made their move in the free agency market, there are still a few diamonds for NFL teams to fight over. We’re looking at the predicted best fits for the remaining free agents in the NFL.
Jadeveon Clowney – Defensive End
Unfortunately for Jadeveon Clowney, his injury record and offseason restrictions mean that he’s unlikely to earn big money in the NFL until 2021. That means Clowney will be looking at a one-year deal, and he’s already turned down moves to the Browns and Seahawks. One place it makes sense for the defensive end to move is Tennessee, as the Titans are already familiar with Clowney due to his time in the AFC South.
Cam Newton – Quarterback
There is still a small chance that someone has a starting quarterback slot for Cam Newton, but the former Panthers star still has some options regardless. The Arizona Cardinals are one of the teams where Newton could find a financial package that would suit him while bolstering his new team’s roster. Brett Hundley is the current backup for Kyler Murray in Arizona, and with the late-season injury to the starting QB, Newton would be a safer bet for number two.
Everson Griffen – Defensive End
Cleveland still has plenty of money left in their budget, which could open the door for defensive end Everson Griffen. While Clowney might have turned the Browns down, Griffen could be the guy to transform the Brown’s fortunes anyway.
Griffen is already familiar with coach Kevin Stefanski, and assistant Jeff Howard, thanks to their time in Minnesota, the defensive end makes sense. He would be able to step into the Browns’ starting roster from day one and is arguably still of Pro-Bowl caliber. It seems as though pass rushers only get better with age, so the Browns could do a lot worse than signing Griffen for the upcoming season.
Do you agree with our picks for these free agents?