ESPN Fumbles The Final Minute Of Regulation Of Rangers-Hurricanes

Is there anything more exciting than the final minute of regulation in a Stanley Cup Playoff game with one team on a power play and the score tied? No, there's not, which is why it's not a good idea to cut to warm-ups for the next game when it's happening, but that's exactly what ESPN did  Tuesday night during Game 2 of the New York Rangers and Carolina Hurricanes second-round series.

It was a back-and-forth affair between the two teams, that escalated with a late tripping penalty against Carolina’s Brady Skjei.

The Blueshirts corralled the puck and organized a rush with about 50 seconds to go when ESPN decided to check in on warm-ups ahead of the series opener between the Dallas Stars and Colorado Avalanche.

Fans across the country (myself included) let the expletives fly at what looked like hockey's version of the Heidi game.

Fortunately, the mistake was fixed and we didn't miss a game-winner because that didn't come until the second overtime when Ranger (and former Hurricane) Vincent Trochk sealed the deal to give New York a 2-0 series lead.

You can understand how this happens, especially when ESPN is trying to juggle overlapping games, but fans were not happy about it.

Aw, come on, guys. It was a simple mistake, it's not like the rest of the night had similar goofs too.

…what's that? It did?

Oh…

Like this moment where a "Hurricanes Win!" banner flashed on the boards while play was still happening in overtime.

Someone had their finger on the button and thought for sure Martin Nečas had that wrister labeled to go top-shelf.

Instead, it was a routine save for Igor Shesterkin, and another mistake to add to the count on Tuesday night.

There was another one before the games even started.

During the NHL Draft Lottery in which the San Jose Sharks landed the No. 1 pick — which will likely be used to select Boston University's Macklin Celbrini — the broadcast showed GM Mike Grier and Sharks fans celebrating in… Anaheim?

Rough night at the office for ESPN, especially considering their NHL coverage has been criticized in the past.

Fortunately, they've got plenty of time to right the ship, and let's hope they do because the Stanley Cup Final will air on ESPN and ABC this year.