The Anatomy of a Moment: The Carolina Hurricanes Return to the Playoffs After Nearly a Decade

Relive one of the most exciting moments in regular season history as the Hurricanes defeated the Devils 3-1 to clinch their first playoff appearance since 2009.

Apr 4, 2019; Raleigh, NC, USA;  Carolina Hurricanes goaltender Petr Mrazek (34) and center Sebastian Aho (20) celebrate their win against the New Jersey Devils at PNC Arena. The Carolina Hurricanes defeated the New Jersey Devils 3-1. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 4, 2019; Raleigh, NC, USA; Carolina Hurricanes goaltender Petr Mrazek (34) and center Sebastian Aho (20) celebrate their win against the New Jersey Devils at PNC Arena. The Carolina Hurricanes defeated the New Jersey Devils 3-1. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports | James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports
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Scoring comes early for both sides

Warren Foegele
Carolina Hurricanes v New York Rangers | Bruce Bennett/GettyImages

While the overall story has a happy ending, the first chapter started on the wrong page. New Jersey drew first blood early in the contest on a goal from their captain, Andy Greene. Michael McLeod waited for Greene to enter the zone before finding him with space at the point. Petr Mrazek never saw the silent wrister from Greene with Drew Stafford and Trevor van Riemsdyk parked in front of him.

New Jersey's lead didn't last long. Dougie Hamilton's stretch pass eluded several defensive sticks before springing Warren Foegele on a breakaway midway through the period. Foegele buried the shot through Cory Schneider's five-hole to bring it back even. Just over ten minutes into the game, both sides had found the back of the net.

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