2025 NHL Playoffs: Devils vs Hurricanes - Round 1 Recap

The Carolina Hurricanes eliminated the New Jersey Devils in a thrilling five-game series during the first round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs. The series concluded with a dramatic double-overtime victory in Game 5, where Sebastian Aho scored the game-winning goal, securing a 5–4 win for Carolina .NHL.com

Series Overview

• Game 1 (Carolina 4, New Jersey 1): Rookie Logan Stankoven led the Hurricanes with two goals, while goaltender Frederik Andersen made 25 saves, giving Carolina an early series lead.NHL.com

  
  

• Game 2 (Carolina 3, New Jersey 1): Carolina extended their lead with a solid performance, including goals from key players and another strong outing by Andersen.

  
  

• Game 3 (New Jersey 3, Carolina 2 – 2OT): The Devils fought back in a marathon game, with Simon Nemec scoring the double-overtime winner, keeping New Jersey's hopes alive .New York Post

  
  

• Game 4 (Carolina 5, New Jersey 2): Andrei Svechnikov's hat trick propelled the Hurricanes to a commanding 3–1 series lead. Wikipedia

  
  

• Game 5 (Carolina 5, New Jersey 4 – 2OT): In a game filled with momentum swings, Carolina overcame a 3–0 first-period deficit. Aho's power-play goal in double overtime clinched the series. NHL.com

Key Performers

• Sebastian Aho (Carolina): Delivered clutch performances, including the series-winning goal in Game 5.

• Andrei Svechnikov (Carolina): His Game 4 hat trick was pivotal in shifting the series momentum.

• Jacob Markstrom (New Jersey): Despite the series loss, Markstrom made 48 saves in Game 5, showcasing resilience under pressure .

Series Highlights

The series was marked by intense competition and dramatic moments, including multiple overtime games and significant comebacks. Carolina's ability to rally from deficits and capitalize on power-play opportunities proved decisive.