The Carolina Hurricanes are the first NHL team to punch their ticket to the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs… I know, I know stop me if you have heard that before. In fact the Hurricanes haven’t lost a first round playoff series since the Stanley Bubble in 2020. The Hurricanes are a blend of an analytical front office with a manalytical head coach in Rod Brind’Amour. The Canes dispatched the New Jersey Devils in 5 games to clinch the berth into the next round, where they await the winner of the Washington and Montreal series. The Canes and Devils series featured 2 overtime games including a double OT series ending Game 5. The Devils jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the first period, then Carolina said, “hold our beers” and produced 4 goals in the second period to see the game tied at 4 heading to the final frame. Sebastian Aho was the hero for Carolina scoring the game winner in the extra, extra frame (who doesn’t love free playoff hockey..? Am I right?). The Hurricanes find themselves in familiar territory but, can this be the year that Lord Stanley comes back to Raleigh? It’s been 20 years since the Cup spent a summer with Carolina. Below are some stats from the first round series with the Devils:
Game Summaries:
- Game 1 (April 20): Carolina won 4–1, led by Logan Stankoven’s two goals.
- Game 2 (April 22): Carolina secured a 3–1 victory, taking a 2–0 series lead.
- Game 3 (April 25): New Jersey responded with a 3–2 double-overtime win, highlighted by Simon Nemec’s game-winning goal.
- Game 4 (April 27): Andrei Svechnikov’s hat trick propelled Carolina to a 5–2 win, pushing the Devils to the brink of elimination.
- Game 5 (April 29): The Hurricanes overcame a 3–0 deficit to win 5–4 in double overtime, with Sebastian Aho scoring the series-clinching goal.
Key Performers
- Sebastian Aho (CAR): Recorded 2 goals and 1 assist in Game 5, including the double-overtime winner.
- Andrei Svechnikov (CAR): Achieved a hat trick in Game 4, his second career playoff hat trick.
- Pyotr Kochetkov (CAR): Stepped in as goaltender in Game 5, making 31 saves after Frederik Andersen was sidelined due to injury.
- Jacob Markstrom (NJ): Despite the loss, he made 49 saves in Game 5, keeping the Devils competitive.
Series Statistics
- Total Goals: Carolina 19 – New Jersey 11.
- Power Play Goals: Carolina 6 – New Jersey 0.
- Total Hits: Carolina 192 – New Jersey 216.
On to the 2nd Round.
DAC
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