On Tuesday night, April 29, 2025, the Carolina Hurricanes pulled off a wild and gritty double-overtime win against the New Jersey Devils in Game 5, becoming the first team to punch their ticket to the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
This one wasn’t easy. In fact, the Hurricanes were down three goals in the first half of the game. But they dug deep, tied it 4-4 by the end of regulation, and held on through one full overtime before Sebastian Aho finally ended it in the second OT.
How Did the Hurricanes Pull It Off?
This was truly a team effort, but the night belonged to Sebastian Aho. The 26-year-old Finnish center, with a net worth of roughly $10 million, scored the game-winner and sealed the series. That goal also snapped a long streak for Carolina — it was their first playoff overtime win in their last six tries.
Backing him up in net was Pyotr Kochetkov, who stepped in for injured starter Frederik Andersen. Kochetkov, 24, made 27 saves in regulation and four more in overtime. He wasn’t perfect, but when it mattered most, he stood tall.
What Happened to Frederik Andersen?
Frederik Andersen was ruled out day-to-day before the game. The 35-year-old Danish goaltender has been a key piece for Carolina since joining the team. With a net worth estimated at $15 million, Andersen brings leadership and poise — but his injury status could be a big factor moving forward.
Did the Devils Run Out of Gas?
You could feel the Devils fighting to keep their season alive. Jacob Markstrom, their veteran goalie, played out of his mind. The 34-year-old made several clutch stops late in regulation and in overtime. His net worth is believed to be around $20 million, and he showed every bit of why he’s such a valuable player.
But the injury bug hit New Jersey hard this postseason. Jack Hughes has been out since early March. His younger brother Luke Hughes, plus Brenden Dillon and Jonathan Kovacevic, all picked up injuries during this series. That’s a lot of top-end talent missing in crucial games.
What’s Next for Carolina?
Now that they’ve taken down the Devils, the Hurricanes get to sit back and wait for their Round 2 opponent. It’ll be either the Washington Capitals or the Montreal Canadiens. The Capitals currently lead that series 3-1, and could wrap it up soon.
The good news for the Hurricanes? They’ll get a little extra rest — which could be huge if Andersen is close to returning.
Can the Hurricanes Make a Deep Run?
Carolina has been on the cusp for years. They’ve built a deep, experienced roster with guys like Aho, Andrei Svechnikov, and Brent Burns leading the charge. Burns, now 40 years old and one of the oldest players in the league, has a net worth near $25 million. His veteran presence on defense could be a big asset if Carolina makes it deep into May.
But everything hinges on goaltending. If Andersen returns and Kochetkov continues to step up, this could finally be the year the Canes break through.
Final Thoughts
Tuesday night was a reminder of what playoff hockey is all about — comebacks, tension, and pure heart. The Hurricanes were down, bruised, and missing their starting goalie. But they never gave up.
Sebastian Aho’s heroics sent Carolina to the second round, and the crowd in Raleigh will be buzzing for days.
Can they keep the magic alive in Round 2? Stay tuned — the Stanley Cup chase is just getting started.
Would you like a preview of the Hurricanes’ next matchup once it’s confirmed?
