Hurricanes' Jordan Martinook Sprawls Out for Perhaps the Best Save of NHL Playoffs

Jordan Martinook prevented a goal with a truly remarkable diving save during Game 6.

Carolina Hurricanes F Jordan Martinook prevents a goal in Game 6 vs. the New York Rangers / Screenshot via B/R Open Ice

As the Carolina Hurricanes fight for survival in the NHL playoffs, Jordan Martinook's extra effort on the defensive end could be what saves the season with the team on the brink of elimination against the New York Rangers.

Trailing in the series 3–2, the Canes jumped out to a 3–1 lead in Game 6 on Thursday night. The Rangers had a golden opportunity to claw back within one goal when Ryan Lindgren found himself one-on-one with Frederik Andersen.

Lindgren's shot snuck between Andersen's legs and slowly slid toward the goal line, when Martinook, who was racing back on defense, sprawled out into a dive and blocked the puck just before it crossed the line.

JORDAN MARTINOOK JUST MADE THE SAVE OF THE PLAYOFFS 😱 pic.twitter.com/feWG0RTYVc

— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) May 17, 2024

Martinook's heroics prevented what would've been a crucial goal for New York, and the margins for the save could not have been more narrow. The puck was more than halfway over the red line when the 31-year-old got his stick in its path, keeping the game at 3–1 in favor of Carolina.

HOW DID THIS STAY OUT OF THE NET?! 🤯 pic.twitter.com/UXz8XMaivQ

— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) May 17, 2024

If the Canes, who trailed 3–0 in the series, are able to force Game 7, they'll look back at Martinook's defensive effort as one of the key moments in their turnaround.