Pucks and Pitchforks
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New Jersey Devils vs. Carolina Hurricanes: Round 2 Preview

By Tyler Russell

Tomas Tatar #90 of the New Jersey Devils (2nd from right) celebrates his second period goal against the New York Rangers in Game Seven of the First Round of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Prudential Center on May 01, 2023 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
Tomas Tatar #90 of the New Jersey Devils (2nd from right) celebrates his second period goal against the New York Rangers in Game Seven of the First Round of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Prudential Center on May 01, 2023 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /
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Carolina Hurricanes center Martin Necas (88): James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports /

Analyzing the Hurricanes

The Carolina Hurricanes beat the New York Islanders four games to two in the first round. After taking a demanding 2-0 series lead, Carolina let New York claw back in, pushing the series to six before eventually knocking them out. Carolina went 2-1 at home and 2-1 in New York.

Antti Raanta started in goal for Carolina through five games, where he earned a 3-2 playoff record. Raanta, however, did not get the nod for Game 6 as Hurricanes head coach Rod Brind’Amour decided to put 33-year-old Frederik Andersen between the pipes. Andersen saved 33 shots and posted a .971 save percentage, leading Carolina to the 2-1 series-closing win.

25-year-old center Sebastian Aho leads Carolina with four goals and seven points against the Islanders. While Aho has been the heartbeat of the Hurricanes’ offense, Brent Burns has been solid defensively for Carolina as he has also earned five assists in the playoffs.

Even though the Hurricanes have been playing solidly, it could be better for them as they are battling some serious injuries. Teuvo Teravainen is nursing a hand injury, and Andrei Svechnikov’s season is over after suffering a knee injury. These two players play a big part in Carolina’s offense as they have combined for 92 points together. Max Pacioretty is also gone for the season, as he suffered an Achilles injury three months back. Pacioretty is a key part of Carolina’s game, but it seems they adjusted just fine playing without him.

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