Apr 20, 2025; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Hurricanes center Logan Stankoven (22) celebrates with the bench after scoring a goal against the New Jersey Devils during the second period of game one of the first round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Lenovo Center. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-Imagn Images

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Logan Stankoven Shines as Hurricanes Dominate Devils in Game 1 of 2025 NHL Playoffs

Stankoven nets two goals in a commanding win as Carolina sets the tone early against New Jersey

The Carolina Hurricanes wasted no time making a statement in Game 1 of their playoff series against the New Jersey Devils, cruising to a dominant 4-1 win on Sunday afternoon in Raleigh. From the first puck drop, the Hurricanes took control, exposing nearly every pre-series concern surrounding the injury-depleted Devils, particularly the absence of Jack Hughes, whose offensive creativity was sorely missed.

The game opened with Carolina’s Jalen Chatfield lighting the lamp early in the first period, setting the tone for a relentless effort. But it was Logan Stankoven who truly stole the spotlight in the second. The midseason acquisition delivered two clutch goals just over six minutes apart, pushing Carolina’s lead to a comfortable 3-0 margin and marking his second career multi-goal performance in the postseason. His chemistry with the Hurricanes seemed effortless, and his finishing ability helped Carolina capitalize on their strong puck possession and offensive zone time.

Logan Stankoven scored two second-period goals in his first playoff game with Carolina as the Hurricanes beat the Devils 4-1 on Sunday to open their first-round series in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. #NJDevils https://t.co/ID6q9see7Q
— CBS New York (@CBSNewYork) April 20, 2025

New Jersey, struggling to gain any rhythm, managed just 24 shots on goal to Carolina’s 45. Although Nico Hischier gave Devils fans a glimmer of hope with a goal late in the second during a 4-on-4 sequence, the Hurricanes’ structure and depth proved too much. Despite a short-lived surge from New Jersey in the third period, Carolina’s Frederik Andersen stood tall in net, stopping 23 shots and even pulling off a spectacular diving stick save on Timo Meier to preserve the lead.

The game closed with an empty-netter from Andrei Svechnikov, sealing a win that felt inevitable long before the final horn. Taylor Hall added two assists for Carolina, whose depth across all lines highlighted just how complete their game truly is.

With a 1-0 series lead and momentum fully in their corner, the Hurricanes now eye Game 2 on Tuesday, ready to extend their dominance. For the Devils, injuries and inconsistency are adding pressure fast, and without major adjustments, they may find themselves overwhelmed in this series.

Image Credit: James Guillory-Imagn Images

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Anamika Shrivastava

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I’ve always loved writing and storytelling, and hockey gives me a perfect stage for endless stories to tell. Whether it’s breaking down a game, analyzing a big trade, or capturing the emotions on the ice, I bring the NHL to life through words. So what’s the best part you ask? Watching the action unfold and turning it into something fans can connect with. To my readers: Hockey is more than just a game—it’s the highs, the heartbreaks, and the moments that make us jump off our seats. So, keep cheering, keep debating, and never stop loving the madness of the sport!