Hurricanes’ Martinook makes stunning, sliding save to deny Rangers

Hockey is not a game of inches. It’s a game of centimeters. And for one play in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Second Round between the New York Rangers and Carolina Hurricanes, it was a game of millimeters.

Hurricanes forward Jordan Martinook made one of the most ridiculous goal save plays you’ll ever see during the second period of Thursday night’s game.

With just over six minutes left in the period, Martinook trailed Rangers defenseman Ryan Lindgren on a breakaway.

Lindgren had a clean shot that went through Hurricanes goaltender Frederik Andersen’s five holes. While the puck, which Andersen seemed to be cutting with his right pad to slow it down just enough, was still sliding toward the net behind him.

Fortunately for the Hurricanes, Martinook was also sliding.

After trying to defend Lindgren, Martinook was in full slide as the puck approached the goal line. Somehow, Martinook was able to extend his stick and gather the puck a few millimeters before it completely crossed the goal line.

Martinook’s stunning save was a perfect example of the good that can happen when you never give up on a play.