Let’s be real. Everyone knew the Carolina Hurricanes had the upper hand against the New Jersey Devils coming into the playoffs. While the Canes did lose a heavy hitter like Mikko Rantanen to Dallas, Jack Hughes’ absence from the Devils’ roster hurt them. Yet, the underdogs looked to be mounting a comeback, with the Canes holding a 3-1 series lead. Unfortunately, everything fell apart in the second period of Game 5, and Sebastian Aho put the final nail in the Devils’ coffin.

Despite taking a 3-0 lead in the first period and looking like they had a real chance of forcing Game 6, the Canes broke down the Devils’ defense. The scoring started early in the second period, with the Canes scoring three goals in four minutes to even the odds. While the Canes couldn’t find the winner in regulation, Sebastian Aho answered their prayers with the winning goal less than 5 mins into double OT.

“Sebastian Aho sends the Hurricanes to round two,” wrote Sportsnet as they posted the clip of the power play that led to the goal. Despite ranking 18th in the NHL with an 18.7% power-play percentage, the Carolina Hurricanes scored when it mattered. Aho positioned himself perfectly on the right side, slapping home the assist from Shayne Gostisbehere.

After taking a 2-0 series lead, the underdog Devils team bit back, taking Game 3. In fact, that one also went into double overtime, with the New Jersey Devils winning the game 3-2. And while the Canes hit back immediately to take Game 4, coach Rod Brind’Amour felt desperate after the Canes dug themselves into a 3-0 hole in the first period.

The Carolina Hurricanes coach revealed that the message going into the second period was clear: “Trash that period. Let’s try to get back in the game. That was kind of a message. Let’s see what can happen,” the head coach told reporters after the game. However, Brind’Amour didn’t imagine that boys would score four goals in the second period to dig themselves out of that hole. Similarly, Aho didn’t think he would be the one to take them to the next round.

What the Carolina Hurricanes star thought about the winning goal

To say Sebastian Aho was over the moon after scoring the goal would be an understatement. “I blacked out for a second there,” the 27-year-old Finnish ice hockey star said about scoring the goal. He also remembered his teammates and Canes supporters’ joy after he came in the clutch to win the game. “The crowd goes nuts, and guys are jumping on you. It’s unreal,” expressed the goalscorer.

What’s more? Sebastian Aho didn’t just win the game for the Carolina Hurricanes. The blisteringly hot second period saw the Devils establish their lead after the Canes scored three goals. And guess who put them level again? If you guessed Sebastian Aho, you’d be right. As per the North State Journal, Aho drew the penalty that led to a 5-on-3 power play.

A few minutes later, the Canes’ star scored to make the scoreline 4-4. Although the third period didn’t see any goals, Devils’ goalie Jacob Markström recovered after that second period to keep the Canes at bay during the first overtime. He performed so well that even Rod Brind’Amour couldn’t help but praise the NHL netminder.

“That was one of the better goaltending performances I’ve witnessed,” said the Carolina Hurricanes coach. Yet, Markström’s efforts wouldn’t be enough to keep the Devils’ hopes alive. Meanwhile, Aho’s seventh three-point performance of his playoff career has given the Hurricanes some time. Coach explained that the mental and physical break before Round 2 will be great for the team.