Sebastian Aho's Double OT Goal Lifts Hurricanes Past Devils in Game 5 Thriller

The Carolina Hurricanes are moving on to the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs after Sebastian Aho’s dramatic double-overtime goal eliminated the New Jersey Devils in a heart-stopping Game 5 showdown. The 3-2 victory at PNC Arena capped off an intense first-round series that saw both teams push each other to the limit, with Aho’s power-play marker at 12:34 of the second overtime period finally settling the hard-fought battle. The Hurricanes’ triumph sends them to the Eastern Conference semifinals while ending what had been a promising season for the young Devils squad.

The Series-Clinching Moment

Aho’s game-winner came on a perfectly executed power play after Devils defenseman Jonas Siegenthaler was called for tripping. The Finnish star took a cross-ice feed from Andrei Svechnikov and wired a shot past New Jersey goaltender Akira Schmid, setting off a raucous celebration among the home fans. NHL.com reported that the goal was Aho’s third of the series and perhaps the biggest of his playoff career, showcasing his ability to deliver in clutch moments for Carolina.

Goaltending Duel Steals the Show

The game featured an outstanding goaltending battle between Carolina’s Frederik Andersen and New Jersey’s Schmid. Andersen made 42 saves in the victory, including several spectacular stops in overtime to keep the Hurricanes alive. Schmid was nearly as brilliant at the other end, turning aside 38 shots before finally yielding to Aho’s winner. The netminders’ performances highlighted how evenly matched these teams were throughout the hard-hitting series.

Devils’ Promising Season Ends

For New Jersey, the loss marked the end of what had been a breakthrough season. As CBS News reported, the young Devils core of Jack Hughes, Nico Hischier and Jesper Bratt gained valuable playoff experience that should serve them well in future postseason runs. Despite the disappointment of elimination, New Jersey showed they belong among the Eastern Conference elite and will likely be a force to reckon with for years to come.

Hurricanes’ Championship Pedigree

Carolina’s victory demonstrated why they’re considered one of the favorites to win the Stanley Cup. ABC11 noted the Hurricanes’ depth, discipline and playoff experience ultimately proved decisive in the series. Coach Rod Brind’Amour’s system, which emphasizes relentless forechecking and defensive responsibility, wore down the Devils over the course of five physically demanding games.

Looking Ahead to Round Two

With the series victory, the Hurricanes now await their second-round opponent, which will be either the New York Rangers or Pittsburgh Penguins. The extra rest before the next series begins will be crucial for Carolina, particularly for veterans like Brent Burns and Jordan Staal who logged heavy minutes against New Jersey. If the Hurricanes can maintain this level of play, they’ll be a tough out for any team remaining in the Eastern Conference playoffs.