25 Clutch Goals in Carolina Hurricanes History (Part 3: #5-1)

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – MAY 13: Eric Staal #12 of the Carolina Hurricanes skates with the puck against the New Jersey Devils in game four of the Eastern Conference Semifinals during the 2006 NHL Playoffs on May 13, 2006 at the Continental Airlines Arena in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Devils defeated Hurricanes 5-1. The Hurricanes lead the series 3-1. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /

#4: May 8, 2006- Eric Staal Haunts the Devils

Since relocation to North Carolina, no team has felt the wrath of the Carolina Hurricanes more than the New Jersey Devils. The Canes have won four of the five meetings in the postseason, with a few series being very one-sided. The 2006 meeting was one such occasion. The Devils came into the playoffs on an 11-game winning streak and had just swept the Rangers in the 1st round. That changed after the Canes dominated them in Game 1, winning 6-0. Game 2 was closer as the two teams were stuck in a 1-1 tie as regulation winded down. With 20.7 seconds left, Scott Gomez redirected a Zach Parise shot past Cam Ward, giving New Jersey a late lead as they tried to even the series. After it was reviewed and deemed a good goal, the Canes pushed for a response. Despite losing the draw, the puck ended up in the New Jersey end, allowing the Canes to pounce. A pass to the front of the net with three seconds left found Eric Staal’s stick, and he managed to find some daylight under the pads of Martin Brodeur to tie it again, silencing the New Jersey bench. Staal’s equalizer is tied for the 2nd-latest game-tying goal in NHL postseason history. Once again, Niclas Wallin was the hero in this game, scoring the game-winner in overtime to give the Canes a 2-0 series lead en route to a dominating five-game series win to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals.

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