The Carolina Hurricanes overpowered the New Jersey Devils 4-1 in Sunday's playoff opener, with rookie Logan Stankoven erupting for two second-period goals in his postseason debut. Carolina’s relentless offense fired shots on Jacob Markstrom, while New Jersey’s injury-riddled lineup struggled to contain the onslaught.
Stankoven’s breakout performance highlighted a decisive second-period surge, with Jalen Chatfield opening scoring early and Andrei Svechnikov sealing the win with an empty-netter. Devils captain Nico Hischier briefly cut the deficit to 3-1 late in the middle frame, but New Jersey’s eight third-period shots couldn’t solve Frederik Andersen.
The Devils’ challenges mounted as Brenden Dillon and Cody Glass exited with injuries, forcing New Jersey to finish with four defensemen. Markstrom’s saves kept the score respectable, though the defensive corps faced constant pressure from Carolina’s forecheck.
Sheldon Keefe shuffled lines seeking offensive spark, but New Jersey’s power play went 0-for-2 against the league’s top-ranked penalty kill. The Hurricanes’ 3.2 goals-per-game average proved decisive, extending their recent dominance over the Devils to eight wins in their last ten matchups.
Game looms critical for New Jersey as they aim to counter Carolina’s shot volume and special teams edge before the series shifts to Prudential Center.
