NHL Playoffs: Hurricanes Knock Out Devils in Double OT as Senators, Oilers and Golden Knights Keep Series Alive

The Carolina Hurricanes ended the New Jersey Devils’ season with a 5-4 win in double overtime, winning the series 4-1. The Ottawa Senators stayed alive by beating the Toronto Maple Leafs 4-0. The Edmonton Oilers took a 3-2 series lead with a 3-1 win over the Los Angeles Kings, while the Vegas Golden Knights did the same with a 3-2 overtime victory over the Minnesota Wild.

Hurricanes 5, Devils 4 (2OT) – Hurricanes win series 4-1

Hurricanes dominate second period comeback

Carolina came from behind in the second period, a trend they’ve shown throughout the series. They took advantage of New Jersey’s penalties and scored three quick goals to cancel out the Devils’ 3-0 lead.

Logan Stankoven’s shot slipped past goalie Jacob Markström, and Taylor Hall finished it off. Jackson Blake and Andrei Svechnikov added two more within four minutes. Though Nico Hischier briefly restored the Devils’ lead, Carolina hit back with a power-play goal by Sebastian Aho to tie the game, following two penalties from New Jersey.

Devils’ power play disappoints again

The Devils didn’t score a single power-play goal in the entire series, finishing 0-for-15. Stefan Noesen scored just after a power play ended, their only goal from a bottom-six forward in the series. Rookie Seamus Casey, playing his first playoff game, couldn’t spark the top power-play unit. He had limited time on the ice and was exposed defensively. Carolina’s strong penalty kill and special teams made the difference.

Senators 4, Maple Leafs 0 – Maple Leafs lead series 3-2

Sanderson leads the way

Defender Jake Sanderson was outstanding, shutting down Toronto’s top forwards like Mitch Marner and Auston Matthews. He led all Senators players in ice time and helped kill off penalties with support from partner Artem Zub, who had seven blocked shots.

The Senators have now stopped the Leafs from scoring on the power play for two straight games. They even added a short-handed goal in the third period from Dylan Cozens after a great run by Adam Gaudette.

Leafs’ star players fall short again

Toronto’s key players — Matthews, Marner, Nylander, Tavares, and Rielly — failed to register a single point. In big games, teams need their stars to step up, and the Leafs didn’t. They also gave away a short-handed goal, wasting a power play chance in the third. Their power play has gone cold at the worst time.

Golden Knights 3, Wild 2 (OT) – Golden Knights lead series 3-2

Late Wild goal ruled out after reviews

Ryan Hartman thought he had won it for Minnesota in regular time, but after two video reviews, the goal was cancelled. First, it was ruled that the puck didn’t go in off a kicking motion. But then Vegas challenged for offside, and replays showed Gustav Nyquist entered the zone early.

Nyquist has struggled since joining the Wild and has only one shot in this series. Despite his low production, coach John Hynes defended him for his experience and defensive work.

Eichel and Karlsson impress

Coach Bruce Cassidy paired William Karlsson with Jack Eichel, and it worked. The two linked up for a short-handed goal in the first period, with Eichel setting up Karlsson. They combined again for a second goal minutes later, this time Eichel feeding Mark Stone for a goal while Karlsson screened the goalie.

Eichel and Karlsson also defended well, helping keep Minnesota’s top line quiet.

Oilers 3, Kings 1 – Oilers lead series 3-2

Janmark scores key goal

Mattias Janmark, who had only two goals all season, scored a crucial one in Game 5. He pounced on a rebound from Viktor Arvidsson’s shot to give Edmonton the lead. Janmark is showing signs of another strong playoff run like last year, when he helped the Oilers reach the final.

Kings struggle to break out

For the first time in the series, the Kings looked disorganised in attack. Their passes often missed the mark, and they struggled to leave their own zone. Edmonton’s forecheck was effective, and their top stars, McDavid and Draisaitl, helped tilt the game in the Oilers’ favour. At one stage, Edmonton led the shot count 33-11.