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The Carolina Hurricanes are heading to the Eastern Conference Final, after eliminating the New Jersey Devils with a 3-2 overtime win in Game 5 tonight.
Carolina got off to a strong start, controlling much of the first half of the opening frame. However, after the Hurricanes weren’t able to capitalize on a power play and momentum started to shift, Timo Meier sent a great pass to Dawson Mercer for a tap-in to put New Jersey ahead through 20 minutes.
Carolina did tie it up just as the second period began, with Jaccob Slavin’s point shot taking a deflection on the way to the net, tying the game. But after Jesperi Kotkaniemi took Carolina’s first penalty, Timo Meier capitalized right at the start of the ensuing power play, poking in a rebound to put the Devils back ahead.
New Jersey then dominated Carolina in the back half of the frame with multiple chances to extend the lead, including Meier notably missing an open net (on a play that he probably won’t be forgetting anytime soon, based on the outcome). Despite being outplayed though, Hurricanes managed to tie it before the end of the period, with Brent Burns putting a point shot through a screen to beat Akira Schmid. After a couple more late chances for Carolina in the final minute, the teams went into intermission at 2-2.
A quiet third period followed, where the Hurricanes limited New Jersey to just five shots. With few high-end chances exchanged, neither team could get back ahead and the game continued to overtime.
Jordan Martinook then almost ended it a few minutes into the extra frame with a rush chance, but was stopped on a big save by Schmid. However, Jonas Siegenthaler ended up firing the puck over the glass shortly after, to put Carolina on a power play.
It was a disastrous mistake and the Hurricanes took advantage, with a Jesperi Kotkaniemi shot being deflected in by Jesper Fast on the power play, winning the series for Carolina.
With the win, the Hurricanes are heading to the Eastern Conference Final for the first time in four years.
It was the first close game of the series, but Carolina put together a steady effort and despite being outplayed through a good stretch of the game, they rebounded later on to put together a good third period and capitalized in overtime.
The Hurricanes just kept getting traffic to the slot and putting pucks on net, leading to all three of their goals. With their defense being as active as they are, it’s a simple but effective go-to.
They’ve also proven that even without many top players, outworking their opponent still gets the job done. When they’re forechecking at their best and getting forwards back to clog up the neutral zone, they were really able to shut down New Jersey’s offense throughout much of the series.
The Martinook-Kotkaniemi-Fast line was an absolute key for Carolina, despite all players essentially having to play in an elevated role. A defensively-sound group that can wear down opponents, each forward registered three goals in the series, with Kotkaniemi at five points, Fast at six points and Martinook at 10 points.
Aside from one off game (where Carolina still scored four goals and goaltending was an issue), this was the Hurricanes’ series almost from start to finish.
After three years in a row where they’ve faced early playoff exits, it’s a big step for Carolina. While they did reach the Conference Finals in 2019 (only to be swept to the Boston Bruins), this time the team is a true contender.
So now, the Hurricanes wait for their opponent. The Florida Panthers still have a 3-1 stranglehold over the Toronto Maple Leafs despite dropping Game 4, with another chance to wrap up the series tomorrow on the road.
But the Hurricanes will have a one-in-four shot at capturing their first Stanley Cup in 17 years.
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OTHER ARTICLES FROM MAY
Hurricanes set to face Devils in second round
Previewing the Hurricanes’ second round series against the Devils
Hurricanes shut down Devils for convincing Game 1 win
Hurricanes dominate Devils again for 6-1 win in Game 2
Hurricanes suffer blowout loss to Devils in Game 3
Hurricanes bounce back in Game 4 to light up Devils for another 6-1 win 
Carolina Hurricanes Blogger • 
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