Jordan Martinook scored a pivotal shorthanded goal and Frederik Andersen delivered another strong performance in net as the Carolina Hurricanes defeated the New Jersey Devils 3-1 on Tuesday night, taking a 2-0 lead in their first-round playoff series.
Shayne Gostisbehere also scored for Carolina in the second period, and Seth Jarvis sealed the win with an empty-net goal in the closing minute. Andersen turned aside 25 shots and kept the Devils scoreless over the final 56 minutes.
Martinook’s shorthanded tally came at 5:54 of the second period off a quick transition play, giving the Hurricanes a lead they would not surrender. He later assisted on Jarvis’ insurance goal, continuing his impressive postseason run against the Devils. Returning to their 2023 playoff meeting, Martinook has recorded at least one point in all seven playoff games against New Jersey.
“Playoffs bring out the best in me,” Martinook said. “I love the emotion and energy of these games.”
Andersen remained calm under pressure, making key saves down the stretch, including a clutch stop on Nathan Bastian with six minutes left.
“He has such a steady presence,” coach Rod Brind’Amour said. “His calmness translates to the entire team.”
Jesper Bratt scored the Devils’ only goal early in the first period, cleaning up a rebound in front of Andersen. Markstrom made 25 saves for New Jersey.
Despite playing without injured defensemen Luke Hughes and Brenden Dillon, the Devils showed more fight in Game 2. Brett Pesce made two crucial goal-line stops to keep the score close, including one on Taylor Hall’s near-miss in the crease.
“I thought we gave it everything we had,” Pesce said. “It could’ve gone either way.”
The series shifts to Newark for Game 3 on Friday night, where the Devils will look to climb back into contention.
Key Stats
- Carolina holds a 2-0 lead in the series.
- Andersen has stopped 48 of 50 shots through two games.
- Martinook has five points in the series (2 goals, three assists).
Looking Ahead
Game 3: Friday night in Newark as the Devils look to cut the Hurricanes’ series lead in half.
