Jordan Staal and the Carolina Hurricanes had a chance to put the New Jersey Devils in a stranglehold. The Hurricanes had a 2-0 series lead entering Game 3 of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs first round. A win on Friday would have pushed New Jersey to the brink of elimination. Unfortunately for Carolina, the Devils claimed Game 3 on home ice.

Carolina and New Jersey went to double overtime on Friday night. It certainly took a while, but eventually the Devils broke through. Simon Nemec played hero in the second overtime. His goal cemented a crushing defeat for the Hurricanes. And at the very least, it forced a Game 5 back in Carolina.

The Hurricanes did well to push the game as long as they did. In the end, though, their effort was all for naught. Moreover, their effort was somewhat lacking. Captain Jordan Staal certainly wanted to see more from his squad, as he mentioned following Game 3.

Related Carolina Hurricanes NewsArticle continues below
Carolina Hurricanes left wing Taylor Hall (71) celebrates his goal with center Jack Roslovic (96) against the Washington Capitals during the third period in game four of the second round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Lenovo Center.
Crucial Taylor Hall Game 4 goal earns ‘elite’ Seth Jarvis praise
Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) scores a goal against the Carolina Hurricanes during the third period in game four of the second round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Lenovo Center.
Capitals’ Alex Ovechkin passes Mario Lemieux on all-time list in Game 4 vs. Hurricanes
Washington Capitals head coach Spencer Carbery walks off the ice after their loss to the Carolina Hurricanes in game three of the second round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Lenovo Center.
Capitals’ Spencer Carbery is ‘confident’ amid 2-1 deficit vs. Hurricanes

“I don’t think we played a great game… Our five-on-five play was average to below average… A lot of the game, they did a good job of just putting it on us and playing good playoff hockey, and we weren’t on that mindframe,” the Hurricanes captain told team reporter Walt Ruff on Friday night.

The series is far from over at this point. Especially given the Devils' victory on home ice. But this loss will still sting for Carolina. They battled back from 2-0 down in this contest. They forced overtime and gave themselves a chance to win despite the deficit.

Unfortunately, they could not pull it off. The Hurricanes and Devils go again in Game 4 on Sunday night. Let's see if Carolina puts a better effort forward ahead of the return to Raleigh for Game 5.