RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — The Carolina Hurricanes took a 2-0 lead in their best-of-seven NHL playoff series against New Jersey with a 3-1 win over the Devils Tuesday night.
Jordan Martinook tallied a short-handed goal in the second period giving the Hurricanes a 2-1 lead, and the Canes would never look back.
“I love the playoffs, it feels like it brings out the best in me,” said Marinook. “I love the emotion and the energy. It’s the funnest time of the year for a reason.”
Martinook’s all-around game tonight was not lost on his head coach.
“I can’t think of enough good things to say about him. It might have been his most impactful game as a Hurricane,” said Rod Brind’Amour. “Obviously the goal was huge, but he had a bunch of blocked shots. He was all over this game for us.
As was goalie Freddie Andersen. He got the start in net, playing in his first back-to-back games of the season. Andersen held the Devils to just one goal for the second straight game, stopping 25 of 26 shots tonight.
“I’m just trying to enjoy the moment and be ready when called upon and am happy to play again and have a good experience out there,” said Andersen.
The Hurricanes penalty kill remains perfect in the post season. New Jersey was 0 for 3 with the man advantage. Five on five, the Canes are the better team, and it feels like New Jersey’s only chance in this series is to win special teams. Right now, it’s just not happening.
“I knew it was going to be a real challenge for us going up against this penalty kill, and in a lot of ways it’s been the story in this series,” said New Jersey head coach Sheldon Keefe.
The team that wins the first two games of the series advances to the next round 87% of the time. The Hurricanes are in a good spot, but are not about to look ahead to the second round.
“Yeah, absolutely not, it can be a different series as we go on the road,” said Hurricanes defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere. “Obviously we’re not going to sit back, we know what type of team they are. We’re just going to get back to it.”
Game 3 is set for 8 p.m. Friday in New Jersey.