The Carolina Hurricanes stole the first-round series from the New Jersey Devils in the last 1:20.Jussi Jokinen and Eric Staal scored in a 48-second span late in the final period and won game seven 4-3. Jokinen tied the game after a cross-ice setup by Joni Pitkanen. Staal followed with a shot from the middle of the right circle with 31.7 seconds left. Tuomo Ruutu and Ray Whitney also scored for Carolina and Cam Ward was magnificent, making 32 saves.
Carolina has beaten New Jersey in the last three playoff series. When it was over, the Hurricanes jumped into one another's arms and the Devils stood in disbelief.
Carolina plays top-seeded Boston next. One can only hope that the Hurricanes blow the Bruins back to Boston. Boston swept the season series this year 4-0-0, outscoring the Hurricanes 18-6. Three games were before the All-Star break, however, and before Carolina took off. This time of year the days off hurt Boston and the seven game series gives Carolina momentum. Can Carolina win in seven games; again? Oh yeah!
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