Despite key injuries, the Carolina Hurricanes are pushing through the playoffs with relentless effort and contributions from all over the lineup, securing a commanding lead in their second-round series against the New Jersey Devils.
Jesperi Kotkaniemi scored twice in a span of 2 1/2 minutes during a dominant second period, as Carolina exploded for four goals en route to a 6-1 victory on Friday night, taking a 2-0 series lead.
Jordan Staal and Martin Necas also added goals in the second period, turning a scoreless game into a runaway win with the help of a raucous home crowd. Jordan Martinook and Stefan Noesen sealed the game with third-period goals. In total, nine Hurricanes players have scored through the series’ first two games.
“No secret, we’re missing some firepower, so we’re getting it from all over the lineup,” said Hurricanes coach Rod Brind’Amour, referencing injured stars like Andrei Svechnikov, Teuvo Teravainen, and Max Pacioretty.
This was the second consecutive game that saw the Hurricanes chase Devils goalie Akira Schmid from the net. Schmid, who was replaced early in Game 1, was pulled after the second period in Game 2 with New Jersey trailing 4-0.
“That’s been our style all year: give them nothing, be tenacious, and send it to the net,” said Staal.
Miles Wood scored New Jersey’s lone goal early in the third, but Frederik Andersen continued his strong postseason play, making 28 saves for Carolina.
The Devils, now down 0-2 for the second straight series, will return home for Game 3 on Sunday, hoping to replicate their first-round comeback against the New York Rangers. However, they’ve been outscored 11-2 over the first two games of this series.
“What bothers me the most is we got outbattled again today,” said Devils captain Nico Hischier. “Skill doesn’t mean a thing in the playoffs. You’ve got to battle hard for your opportunities.”
Kotkaniemi opened the scoring just 1:35 into the second period, firing a shot under Schmid’s arm after Carolina maintained pressure along the boards. Less than three minutes later, he netted another goal after Martinook disrupted two Devils players, allowing the puck to skitter free for Kotkaniemi’s close-range finish.
Staal added to the lead with a backhand finish. Necas scored from the slot after Jaccob Slavin hit the post, with Carolina again maintaining possession to capitalize on the chance.
“We’re trying to grind them down,” said Martinook. “We know how skilled this team is, so we’re ensuring they don’t get clean breakouts.”
The Hurricanes’ game plan was built on smothering defense and aggressive forechecking, the same approach that stifled the Devils in Game 1, when Carolina outshot New Jersey 2-1 in the first period. Despite the Devils’ early pressure in Game 2, including Dougie Hamilton hitting the post on a power play, Carolina quickly turned the tide.
By the night’s end, the Hurricanes were celebrating a blowout, with Martinook scoring on a breakaway and Noesen netting a perfect 2-on-1 goal, assisted by Sebastian Aho.
“Right now, 5-on-5, they’re the better team,” said Devils coach Lindy Ruff.
Noteworthy
- Timo Meier returned for the Devils after missing Game 1 due to a hit from the Rangers’ Jacob Trouba in Game 7 of the previous series. He logged 16:49 of ice time with five shots but displayed visible cuts and bruises from the hit.
- Carolina has killed all 18 New Jersey power plays dating back to the regular season.
- Martinook, Kotkaniemi, Drury, and Shayne Gostisbehere each recorded two points for the Hurricanes.
- Devils goalie Vitek Vanecek, who replaced Schmid, allowed two goals on 11 shots in relief.
Up Next
- Game 3 is set for Sunday. The Devils return home, hoping to turn the tide and avoid a 3-0 series deficit.
