Hurricanes claim testy win vs. Bruins, take 2-0 series lead

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The Carolina Hurricanes didn't flinch after losing yet another goaltender. Instead, they responded with a physical and even confrontational edge against a team that has twice bullied them out of recent NHL playoffs.

And now, they're up 2-0 on the Boston Bruins in their first-round series.

Sebastian Aho and Nino Niederreiter each scored twice and the Hurricanes overcame the early loss of goalie Antti Raanta to beat the Bruins 5-2 on Wednesday night.

Jesper Fast had the game's first goal for Carolina in another strong offensive showing to start this series. Rookie goaltender Pyotr Kochetkov came on in relief of Raanta to finish with 30 saves.

Perhaps just as importantly, the Hurricanes looked ready for a fight at every moment as the Bruins racking up penalties and time in the box while facing yet another uphill climb.

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The Carolina Hurricanes celebrate a goal against the Boston Bruins during the first period of Game 2 of an NHL hockey Stanley Cup first-round playoff series in Raleigh, N.C., Wednesday, May 4, 2022. (AP Photo/Karl B DeBlaker)

"We're not going to get pushed around, I guarantee you that," said Carolina defenseman Tony DeAngelo, who had three assists.

Game 3 is Friday night in Boston.

This game quickly went from competitive to feisty and downright ornery in quick fashion — namely after Boston's David Pastrnak knocked Raanta from the game midway through the first period when he struck the goaltender in the head with a gloved hand as he tried to skate past him.

Already down injured No. 1 goalie Frederik Andersen to start the playoffs, Carolina turned to Kochetkov as Raanta exited