INSIDE HOCKEY

Why Carolina won: There’s a difference between trying to start a Hurricane and playing goon hockey. What looked like a bunch of goons out on the ice ended up turning into a hurricane in overtime. Carolina controlled the puck and didn’t allow New Jersey possession in overtime. This was the first time Carolina decided to show up for a playoff game. The game was tight, and the series will continue that way. Carolina became more offensive as compared to Game 1 where the Devils outshot them 2:1. With 32 shots, the ‘Canes started to find that edge they lacked in Game 1.

Why the Devils lost: The Devils and Canes were evenly matched. They play the same game. The Canes had luck on their side in overtime when Tim Gleason scored the game winner. The Devils lost Captain Jamie Langenbrunner in the second period with an injury. Whether he will continue on to Carolina with the team on Saturday remains to be seen. Langenbrunner has meshed incredibly well with leading goal scorer Zach Parise and Travis Zajac all season. Brian Rolston will now have to step into his shoes and help the first line produce. Devils are going to need a whole lot of luck now.

Key Moment: Another great defensive move allowed for another defenseman to take the star moment in this series. Tim Gleason hadn’t scored a single goal in the regular season. His first goal of the 2008-2009 season was the game winner in overtime, making him the unsung hero. Coach Paul Maurice joked after the game that they told him not to score any goals during the regular season so that when the playoffs arrived he could score as many goals as he wanted.

What's next for both teams: If Carolina keeps storming the series with as much fierceness to blow the competition away then they will take it in 7. Statistical history shows that the Game 2 winner has a slightly higher chance of winning the series over the Game 1 winner. The series will be a tight one between both teams.