The Carolina Hurricanes have become the first team to advance to the second round of this year’s NHL playoffs, eliminating the New Jersey Devils with a dramatic double-overtime win in Game 5. Despite a valiant effort from the Devils, who nearly forced a Game 6, the Hurricanes sealed their victory in overtime, winning the game 5-4 and taking the series 4-1.
The Devils’ Close Call
The Devils fought hard to stay alive in the series, withstanding a relentless barrage of shots from the Hurricanes in the third period and two overtime periods. Carolina outshot New Jersey 32-12 during this stretch, but the Devils were still just one goal away from extending the series. However, a double-minor penalty for high sticking, called just 70 seconds into the second overtime, ultimately gave the Hurricanes the opportunity they needed.
The Penalty That Decided the Game
The penalty came after Devils center Dawson Mercer attempted to skate the puck out of his defensive zone. As he was challenged by Hurricanes center Jesperi Kotkaniemi, Mercer tried to lift his stick around Kotkaniemi but instead caught him underneath the visor. The referees called a double-minor for high sticking, and after a review, the call was upheld.
With the extra man on the ice, the Hurricanes set up in the offensive zone, passing the puck around in search of the right shooting opportunity. Defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere found center Sebastian Aho, who took a slapshot one-timer that beat Devils goaltender Jacob Markstrom, sealing the 5-4 win for Carolina.
Aho’s Game-Winning Goal
Sebastian Aho’s overtime goal was not just the game-winner—it also marked him as the second player in Hurricanes franchise history to score a series-clinching goal in a game that required multiple overtimes. Brock McGinn was the first, scoring in Game 7 of the 2019 first round. Aho’s two goals in Game 5 helped propel him to the top of the Hurricanes’ point standings for the series, with eight points overall.
The Hurricanes’ Playoff Legacy
Carolina’s victory in this series makes them just the fourth franchise in NHL history to win a playoff round in seven straight seasons, joining the ranks of the New York Islanders, who accomplished the feat between 1979 and 1985. The Hurricanes, who finished second in the Metropolitan Division during the regular season, now look ahead to their second-round matchup, where they will face the winner of the Washington Capitals vs. Montreal Canadiens series.
The Devils’ Struggle and What’s Next
While the Devils put up a strong fight, they were ultimately unable to overcome the Hurricanes’ pressure and the overtime loss in Game 5. Despite a 3-0 lead in the first period, the Devils allowed Carolina to storm back with three unanswered goals in the second period. Captain Nico Hischier briefly gave New Jersey a 4-3 lead, but Aho’s second goal of the game ensured the Devils would be eliminated.
With the off-season now beginning for the Devils, they will look to regroup and prepare for the future, while the Hurricanes wait to see who their next opponent will be.
