Carolina Hurricanes Fan Favorites: Jussi Jokinen

A(nother) fresh start

When Jokinen was traded to Tampa—as a key piece in the deal that sent Brad Richards to Dallas—the hope was that he could build on the offense success that he had earlier in his career.  Unfortunately, for both Jokinen and the Lightning, that never happened.

While Richards went on to have a strong stint in the Lone Star State, Jokinen failed to surpass 30 points during his time in Florida.  On February 7, 2009—less than a year after his arrival, he was traded to the Carolina Hurricanes for Wade Brookbank and Josef Melichar, neither of whom were parts of Carolina’s core.

Over 25 games with the Hurricanes, Jokinen put up 1 goal and 10 assists, not setting the world on fire but still an improvement over where he had been in Tampa Bay.  The Hurricanes returned to the postseason for the first time since their 2006 championship and Jokinen’s talent came to the fore.

In 18 games that playoff year, Jokinen put up 7 goals and 4 assists as well as playing a key role in what became known as “The Shock at the Rock.”  The Hurricanes opened the playoffs facing a familiar foe in Martin Brodeur and the New Jersey Devils.  The teams proved to be evenly matched and the series went to a decisive Game 7.

Trailing 3-2 late in the third period, the Hurricanes went on the attack and kept the pressure high.  Tim Gleason went to his knees to keep the puck in, feeding it to Joni Pitkanen who found Jokinen at the bottom of the circle.  Jokinen, in turn, fired a shot past Brodeur, tying the game at 3.  Eric Staal added the game-winner 48 seconds later, sending Carolina to the second round.