Aho nets the double-OT winner, Canes advance in Stanley Cup Playoffs

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If you watched the first period of Tuesday’s Game 5 between the Carolina Hurricanes and New Jersey Devils, it clearly looked like New Jersey was going to run away and force a Game 6 in Newark.

But, it’s the Stanley Cup Playoffs and anything can happen. In Carolina’s case, it had two whole periods to overcome an early deficit.

The Canes completed their long comeback in double-overtime, winning 5-4 thanks to a Sebastian Aho one-timer – on a powerplay.

Carolina will now face either the Washington Capitals or Montreal Canadiens in the Eastern Conference Semifinals. Washington leads that series 3-1, as of Wednesday, April 30.

Let’s take a deeper dive into the Canes’ first-round series victory, which made them just the fourth team to win a playoff series – in seven consecutive seasons.

Carolina completes 3-goal comeback, Kochetkov responds from rough start

New Jersey played with its backs against the boards Tuesday night, needing a win to extend its Stanley Cup run. The Devils appeared well on their way to a big victory, scoring three goals in the first 10 minutes.

The Canes made sure New Jersey’s lead was short-lived, scoring three times in the first six minutes of the second period, en route to a 5-4 Canes victory in double overtime.

Aho capped off Carolina’s massive comeback, scoring just over four minutes into the second OT period. Aho previously tied Tuesday’s game at four, thanks to a second period powerplay goal, then scored on the man advantage again in overtime.

Taylor Hall scored his first postseason goal for the Canes, closing their gap to 3-1. Jackson Blake netted his first playoff goal shortly after, followed by the 3-3 equalizer from Andrei Svechnikov.

Pyotr Kochetkov struggled in net early for Carolina, but only allowed one goal after the first period. Kochetkov finished his night with 31 saves.

When do the Canes play next?

Carolina will play the winner of the Washington-Montreal series, which can end as early as April 30, in the Eastern Conference Semifinals. The Canes will have home ice advantage if the Canadiens win, but start on the road with a Capitals victory.