{"id":467867,"date":"2025-05-01T08:03:33","date_gmt":"2025-05-01T12:03:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/?p=467867"},"modified":"2025-04-30T21:05:40","modified_gmt":"2025-05-01T01:05:40","slug":"kotkaniemis-sacrifice-paves-way-for-carolina-hurricanes-decisive-victory-over-new-jersey-devils","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2025\/05\/01\/kotkaniemis-sacrifice-paves-way-for-carolina-hurricanes-decisive-victory-over-new-jersey-devils\/","title":{"rendered":"Kotkaniemi\u2019s Sacrifice Paves Way for Carolina Hurricanes Decisive Victory Over New Jersey Devils"},"content":{"rendered":"

After five, long games between the Carolina Hurricanes and their longtime playoff rival<\/a>, the New Jersey Devils, the series belongs to the team from Raleigh, North Carolina. Hard-fought battles and drama were the main themes of round one<\/a> of their side of the bracket for the 2025 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs, and the final game of the series was no different.<\/p>\n

Sebastian Aho Blows the Roof Off Lenovo Center with Double Overtime Goal<\/h3>\n

At the start of Game 5, the outcome was as unpredictable as it gets. Before ten minutes had ticked away, New Jersey had three on the board. Carolina had a massive breakdown offensively, defensively, and in the net. But, in classic playoff fashion, the second period completely flipped the game on its head. Once again, before the first ten minutes, Carolina had evened the game (with one being Jackson Blake<\/a>‘s first in his NHL Playoff Career<\/a>). Soon after, Nico Hischier<\/a> put the puck in the net, but it wasn\u2019t left unanswered for long, with Sebastian Aho<\/a> quickly netting one, as well. The third period went scoreless, with overtime then commencing. The Hurricanes dominated the extra period, outshooting the Devils 14-3. But ultimately, the scorelessness of the third period spilled over into the first additional frame.<\/p>\n

The Carolina Hurricanes and New Jersey Devils Went Down the Wire in Game 5<\/h3>\n

Early in the second overtime, a scary sight unfolded as a high stick caught Jesperi Kotkaniemi<\/a> behind the visor. On the ground and bleeding onto the ice, he was helped to the locker room as New Jersey was left with a double-minor for high-sticking. In the second half of the power play, Aho sent the puck past Jacob Markstrom<\/a>. The goal brought life back to the tired players on the bench, jumping over the boards to celebrate their assistant captain as Petey Pablo\u2019s \u201cRaise Up<\/em>\u201d rang throughout the arena.<\/p>\n

Following the celebration, Hurricanes and Devils players lined up for handshakes. The moment was notably emotional as Brett Pesce<\/a>, who had spent nine years with Carolina, turned it into a hug line. \u201cThere\u2019s a lot of respect deep both ways. He\u2019s our brother<\/em>\u201d, Aho said regarding the moment<\/a>. \u201cIt was definitely kind of an emotional handshake<\/em>.\u201d<\/p>\n

During the post-game celebrations, Kotkaniemi also returned to the ice, sporting a swollen eye and a grin, which Aho also elaborated on during the same press conference. \u201cKK took one for the boys. He probably doesn\u2019t mind at all. I know he doesn\u2019t mind at all. You\u2019ll trade that. A few stitches in the corner of your eye to clinch a series<\/em>.\u201d<\/p>\n

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The Handshake Line is a beautiful tradition for the NHL in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, showcasing the wonderful sportsmanship this sport is built on
It is no different here for the Carolina Hurricanes and New Jersey Devils<\/p>\n

After getting some repairs, Jesperi Kotkaniemi even made\u2026 pic.twitter.com\/w6NEvgsD91<\/a><\/p>\n

— Queen of the Puck (@rbarkleyhockey) April 30, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n