INSIDE HOCKEY

Why Carolina won: The Hockey gods clearly didn’t want a third straight overtime game between these two teams. Carolina outplayed New Jersey the first two periods and built up a 3-0 lead in what looked like an easy victory. They came out and played like the desperate team as they outshot the Devils by more than 15 goals. Carolina’s first three goals came from driving to the net and getting rebound shots that were put in the back of the net. They allowed the Devils to come back in the third but with less than a second remaining before a third straight OT Dennis Seidenberg blasted one by a shielded Martin Brodeur that Jussi Jokinen deflected into the net to tie the series at two.

Why New Jersey lost: The Devils were severely outplayed in the first two periods and if it wasn’t for a very late goal in the second by Brian Gionta a comeback might not have been possible. New Jersey struggled again on the power play as they went 0-3. If they were able to convert with the man advantage the Devils wouldn’t have had to work so hard to just get the game even. The last second goal is a back breaker after coming back from being down 3-0 but you have to give the Canes credit for getting the job done and getting the series tied.

Key Moment: The game winning goal with less than a second may be a bit controversial but it is the key moment. Brodeur felt that he was bumped by Jokinen before the game winning goal went past him and there was no doubt there was some contact but the Hurricanes got away with it and were able to get a huge win to possible help them take the series.

What’s Next: With the series tied there doesn’t seem to be an edge for either team. With the next game being played in New Jersey one would think they have the advantage. Game two proved that the Hurricanes can win away from home. The Devils will hope that Jamie Langenbrunner can return and if so he will provide a huge boost to a team that could use it after a tough loss.