The Carolina Hurricanes defeated the New Jersey Devils in double overtime to advance to the Eastern Conference Second Round. As in 2023, the Canes eliminated the Devils from the Stanley Cup Playoffs in five games.
If you tuned out after the first period, that would not have been the expected result.
The first period looked like a Tuesday night in December rather than a home playoff game with a chance to eliminate the opponent.
Goaltender Pyotr Kochetkov was not settled in the net, allowing rebounds and making unnecessary movements.
The Carolina defense did not do him any favors, as New Jersey got behind the defenders and screened the shooting lanes.