In a thrilling double-overtime showdown, the Carolina Hurricanes eliminated the New Jersey Devils from the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs with a dramatic 5-4 victory in Game 5 at Lenovo Center in Raleigh, North Carolina, on April 29, 2025. The game was a rollercoaster of emotions, featuring a series of lead changes and a fierce comeback by the Hurricanes, who were on the brink of elimination.
The Devils came into this pivotal game looking to extend their season after a disappointing 5-2 loss in Game 4. They struck first, taking an early lead when Dawson Mercer deflected a shot from Brett Pesce, making it 1-0. Not long after, Timo Meier, the controversial figure from Game 4, doubled the lead with a powerful wrist shot from the slot, pushing the score to 2-0.
As the first period continued, the Devils capitalized on a power play opportunity, with Stefan Noesen scoring to give New Jersey a commanding 3-0 lead. However, the Hurricanes, fueled by their passionate home crowd, refused to back down. Taylor Hall scored shortly after, cutting the deficit to 3-1, and Jackson Blake followed up with another goal, making it 3-2.
Just when it seemed the Devils would regain control, Andrei Svechnikov tied the game at three, completing a remarkable comeback for the Hurricanes. The momentum shifted dramatically as the crowd erupted, pushing Carolina forward. Nico Hischier managed to restore a brief lead for New Jersey, scoring to make it 4-3, but Sebastian Aho quickly responded with a one-timer on a power play, once again leveling the score.
The second period ended with both teams locked in a fierce battle, the scoreboard reading 4-4. The tension mounted as the third period unfolded, with both teams creating scoring chances but neither able to break the deadlock. Jacob Markstrom, the Devils’ goaltender, stood tall, making several crucial saves, including 12 of 14 shots faced during the penalty kill.
As the game moved into overtime, the stakes were higher than ever. The Hurricanes dominated the first overtime period, outshooting the Devils 13-0, but Markstrom’s heroics kept New Jersey alive. His performance was nothing short of spectacular, as he turned away shot after shot, leaving the Hurricanes frustrated and desperate for a breakthrough.
However, the tide turned in the second overtime when Dawson Mercer received a high-sticking penalty, giving the Hurricanes a four-minute power play opportunity. Just over three minutes into the man advantage, Aho scored his second goal of the night, sealing the fate of the Devils and sending the Hurricanes to the next round of the playoffs.
Markstrom ended the night with an impressive 48 saves on 53 shots, showcasing his skills despite the heartbreaking loss. The Devils’ season came to an end, leaving fans and players alike to ponder what could have been after such a promising start.
Hurricanes coach Rod Brind’Amour praised his team’s resilience, saying, “We showed a lot of character tonight. Even when we were down, we kept pushing back.” The victory propels Carolina into the second round, where they will look to continue their playoff run.
As for the Devils, they will regroup and reflect on a season filled with ups and downs. Coach Sheldon Keefe acknowledged the challenges faced throughout the playoffs, particularly with injuries to key players. “We had some tough breaks, but I’m proud of how our guys fought until the very end,” he stated.
With the playoffs now underway, the excitement continues to build as teams vie for the coveted Stanley Cup. The Hurricanes will carry their momentum into the next round, while the Devils will look to rebuild and come back stronger next season.
