Is Antti Raanta playing tonight against the Florida Panthers? May 22, 2023 NHL Playoffs

As the Eastern Conference finals intensify, goaltender Antti Raanta is expected to take the net as the Hurricanes desperately seek a victory to stay alive in the playoffs. The Carolina Hurricanes find themselves in a precarious position, trailing the Florida Panthers 2-0 in the series. With Game 3 slated for May 22 at 8 p.m. ET, fans are excited for the crucial matchup.

In the previous game, a hard-fought 2-1 overtime loss, Raanta showcased his skills by stopping 24 of the 26 shots he faced. Despite the Hurricanes' defeat, Raanta's solid performance in goal provided a glimmer of hope for Carolina. His ability to make crucial saves and keep his team within striking distance was commendable, considering the challenging circumstances.

However, the Hurricanes' hopes of a comeback rest on more than just Raanta's abilities. In Game 2, an ill-timed hooking penalty by Jesperi Kotkaniemi proved costly, leading to the Panthers' decisive overtime goal.

Carolina's inability to kill off the penalty quickly swung the momentum in Florida's favor. As the Hurricanes enter Game 3, discipline and a strong penalty kill will be critical components of their strategy.

Despite Raanta's positive showing, there is speculation that the Hurricanes might turn to their veteran goaltender, Frederik Andersen, to shake things up in Game 3. Andersen's extensive playoff experience and proven track record could provide a much-needed boost for Carolina. Should the coaching staff decide to make the switch, Antti Raanta would likely return to his backup role.

However, Raanta's solid performances throughout the playoffs should not be discounted. With a 3-3 record in his six postseason appearances this year, he has faced 165 shots and allowed just 15 goals. Raanta has demonstrated his ability to compete at a high level, still, it will be a game-time decision whether he'll start or not.

A look at Antti Raanta's NHL career

With NHL teams vying for his talents, Antti Raanta inked a deal with the Chicago Blackhawks as a free agent on June 3, 2013.

After initially starting his North American journey with the Blackhawks' AHL affiliate, the Rockford IceHogs, Raanta made his NHL debut on Nov. 19, 2013, stepping in for Corey Crawford against the Colorado Avalanche. Ten days later, he recorded his first NHL start and emerged victorious, making 20 saves in a 3-2 win over the Calgary Flames.

On June 27, 2015, he was traded to the New York Rangers, where he became Henrik Lundqvist's backup. Antti Raanta made his Rangers debut on Oct. 19, 2015, showcasing his abilities with a 22-save shutout against the San Jose Sharks.

He began his tenure in New York with four consecutive victories, demonstrating his reliability by allowing fewer than two goals in three of those wins. In his first season with the Rangers, Raanta recorded an impressive 11-6-2 record, a 2.24 GAA and a .919 save percentage. He also made three appearances in the playoffs, as the Rangers fell to the Pittsburgh Penguins in the Eastern Conference first round.

After one more season with the Rangers, Antti Raanta was traded to the Arizona Coyotes on June 23, 2017. Following his tenure in Arizona, Raanta entered the free agency market and ultimately signed a two-year contract with the Carolina Hurricanes on July 28, 2021.