When the Carolina Hurricanes traded both Martin Necas and subsequently Mikko Rantanen within just two months of each other, there was a lot of concern expressed about the Canes loss of offensive talent.

Well, Sunday afternoon, Logan Stankoven proved that he's got more than enough offensive talent to hold his own, as his two-goal performance helped lead Carolina to a 4-1 win over the New Jersey Devils in Game 1 of their first round series.

The former Dallas Star is no stranger to postseason success, having had his coming-out party mostly in last year's playoffs, with three goals and eight points in 19 games to show for it, including another two-goal game as well.

"I love playing in the big games and meaningful hockey," Stankoven said. "I think I'm motivated to try and contribute in any way possible and it's always a nice feeling to get on the score sheet."

Stankoven's first goal was a product of being in the right place at the right time as Devils captain Nico Hischier turned the puck over behind his own net which Jordan Martinook quickly got up to Stankoven streaking into slot.

The second was just an unreal shot following an unreal pass as he went post-and-in from distance off of a Taylor Hall pass.

On the day, the rookie had four shots on goal (seven individual chances) along with his two goals in 14:53 of ice time.

His line, paired up with Jordan Staal and Jordan Martinook, was also tasked with going head-to-head with the Devils' top line and the line finished the game with a 50/50 split on chances.

"He's got a little more skill than me and Marty and obviously he can put the puck in the net," Staal said. "He's a good little player obviously, can find holes, has good speed and can shoot pucks. He's a smart player too. Without the puck, he's in good spots, he helps when he can and he pressures the puck well. He's caught on pretty quick. He's just getting warmed up."

"I mean, I think they have skill too, but it's definitely nice too to have a couple of big bodies on my line," Stankoven said. "They do such a good job of creating space for me and I think we can thrive down low."

The biggest thing for Carolina is that it hasn't taken Stankoven long to gel with his new team and linemates since the trade. 

He finished the season with five goals and nine points in 19 games, and he's been playing alongside the Jordans for 10 games now.

"He's caught on pretty quick," Staal said. "I've been playing in the system for a long time, so it's kind of engrained in me, but he's caught this pretty quick and he's playing some good hockey."

"I think I'm just trying to adapt to those players and be in the right spots to get pucks off," Stankoven said. "It takes a bit of time at first, but I feel like I've been adjusting well and the guys have been doing a good job of communicating with me and helping me out."

There's no telling how the rest of this postseason will shake out, but all I'll say is that right now, Stankoven has two more goals and twice as many points as Necas and Rantanen combined.

Be sure to check out the Carolina Hurricanes 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs Hub for all postseason stories!

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