NHL play-offs:

Rangers against Carolina with one foot in the semi-finals

The New York Rangers also won game three against the Carolina Hurricanes.(Bild: APA/Getty Images via AFP/GETTY IMAGES/BRUCE BENNETT)

The New York Rangers have continued their winning streak in the play-offs of the North American ice hockey league NHL and are on the shortest route to the semi-finals. The Rangers defeated the Carolina Hurricanes 3:2 after overtime on Thursday and took a 3:0 lead in the best-of-seven series.

Peter Laviolette's team, who eliminated the Washington Capitals in four games in the first round, celebrated their seventh success in their seventh play-off match and can secure promotion to the conference final on Saturday. In Raleigh, goalkeeper Igor Schesterkin with 45 shots on goal saved and Artemi Panarin with his winning goal in the 62nd minute were the match winners.

The Dallas Stars had to fight back from a 4-0 lead in their home game against the Colorado Avalanche, but tied the series at 1-1 thanks to a 5-3 win. After two periods and four goals, all of which were scored by Roope Hintz (one goal, three assists), the Stars were heading for a clear victory. However, the visitors managed to close the gap until the 57th minute, and only Esa Lindell ended a potential deja-vu with a goal into the empty net 21 seconds before the end. Dallas had let a 3:0 lead slip away in the first game and lost 3-4 after overtime.

NHL play-off results from Thursday (2nd round/conference semifinals, "best of seven"):

Western Conference: 
Dallas Stars - Colorado Avalanche 5-3 (series tied 1-1)

Eastern Conference: 
Carolina Hurricanes - New York Rangers 2:3 n.V. (Score: 0:3)