The Carolina Hurricanes took advantage of Jesperi Kotkaniemi’s awakening to defeat the New Jersey Devils 6-1 and take a two-game lead on Friday at the PNC Arena.
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The “Canes” have felt comfortable in their native home since the start of the playoffs. Suffering just one loss in five, they grounded the Devils for the second straight game.
Kotkaniemi, a former member of the Montreal Canadiens, was involved at all times in this win. He set the tone for the game by delivering a spectacular check to opposing captain Nico Hischier.
Then, in the second third, he broke the deadlock with a hard shot into the top corner. But he didn’t stop there: “KK” added just 2 minutes 23 seconds. later. His hard work in the corner of the rink allowed him to recover the disc and fool Akira Schmid’s vigilance a second time.
The young Swiss goalie who was the New York Rangers’ hangman in the first round lost his luster. He was also demystified by Jordan Staal and Martin Necas before the end of the second period before being replaced by Vitek Vanecek.
Lindy Ruff’s decision wasn’t enough to turn the tide. Jordan Martinook and Stefan Noesen touched the knife in the wound in the third third in front of a demotivated Devils.
In a losing cause, Miles Wood saved his people’s honor by touching the target early in the third period.
We are not allowed to sell the skin of the “devils” for this. Remember, they were also 2-0 down against the Blueshirts early in their run.
The series continues in Newark on Sunday.