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The unbelievable ending to the Hurricanes-Devils matchup stole and then returned life to Carolina in the intense way only playoff hockey can do.
The faces in the crowd showed the disappointment, mouths agape and heads dropped into hands, that the fans felt when the New Devils scored with 20.7 seconds left in the 3rd period. This broke the 1-1 tie that gave hope to the Hurricanes faithful that they would have a 2-0 series lead in the second-round Stanley Cup playoffs. Hurricane's goalie Cam Ward looked like he wasn't sure what happened. Not one person of the 18,730 announced attendance seemed to know either. The puck deflected off of Scott Gomez's stick then off the post on its way into the net. While the goal was under review to make sure Gomez didn't play the puck with a high stick, the crowd sat motionless and silent Then with 3 seconds left in regulation, Carolina's Eric Staal scored to tie the game and the crowd went into a frenzy probably never seen in Raleigh. What an emotional roller coaster the fans in Carolina went through in 17 seconds. When play resumed for overtime, it was obvious that it was the Hurricane's house. The goaltenders both made amazing saves on shots that could've, should've ended the game during the 4 on 4. Just under 4 minutes into overtime, Rod Brind'amour made a pass to Niclas Wallin at the blueline. He then flew down the right side and across the goal, losing the puck off his stick. His left skate brought the puck under golatender Martin Brodeur and scored. The goal was reviewed since the puck went off the skate of Wallin, but there was no distinct kicking motion showed in the numerous replays of the goal. The crowd began chanting, "Goal! Goal! Goal!" as both teams stood waiting for an offical answer. When it was finally called a goal by the on ice official, the crowd again went wild. The Hurricanes out-shot the Devils during regulation 33-22. Brodeur kept New Jersey in the game several times with the Devils recording a mere four shots during the second period and five during the third. The Hurricanes recorded 12 in the second period and 15 in the third. Jamie Langenbrunner scored for the Devils 6:20 into the 1st period and Mark Recchi scored for the Hurricanes 18:18 into the Second.
The copyright of the article Intense NHL Playoff Hockey in Ice Hockey is owned by Mike Carr. Permission to republish Intense NHL Playoff Hockey in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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