Hurricanes Even Series

It was the kind of play that saves not only a game, but perhaps a season.

Glen Wesley, an 18-year veteran and the longest-tenured active NHL player not to win the Stanley Cup, dived over his goalie to stop a sure goal.

“It was just a reaction thing, and fortunately, it stayed out,” said Wesley, who played in his 157th playoff game.

And fortunately for the Carolina Hurricanes, he was there to protect the lead.

Ray Whitney had both of his goals in a dominating second period, and the Hurricanes beat the Buffalo Sabres, 4-3, Monday night to tie the Eastern Conference finals, 1-1.

Buffalo nearly scored early in the third period when defenseman Jay McKee sent a slap shot toward the net. It bounced off goalie Cam Ward’s pads and was trickling toward the net when Wesley leaped over the goalie to swipe it away.