Dec 3, 2024; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Jalen Chatfield (5) looks on against the Seattle Kraken during the first period at Lenovo Center. (James Guillory-Imagn Images)

The Carolina Hurricanes struck first in their opening game of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs as defenseman Jalen Chatfield's shot from distance beat New Jersey's Devils netminder Jacob Markstrom through traffic.

It was a quick bank-bang goal for the Canes as Jack Roslovic won an offensive zone faceoff, Eric Robinson picked it up and sent it to the blueline where Chatfield teed off on it.

"We called that play and run it a lot," Chatfield said. "It's just about getting pucks to the net. We did a good job of getting in front and causing chaos. I don't know if he saw it or not, didn't really watch the replay, but when you get pucks to the net, good things happen."

William Carrier provided the screen in front and while New Jersey pondered a challenge as Carrier wound up making contact with Markstrom, it appeared to happen after the puck had already gone past.

The goal gave the Canes an early 1-0 lead about three minutes into the contest, getting Lenovo Center roaring and giving the team a foot up on the Devils in Game 1.

"Just getting the momentum, the building was already rocking before, but after we got the first one, it got even louder," Chatfield said. "We can build behind that and we're going to continue to do that and keep playing our game."

Hurricanes Dominate Devils In Series Opener The Carolina Hurricanes emphatically took Game 1 in their first round series opener against the New Jersey Devils, with a 4-1 win Sunday afternoon at Lenovo Center.

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Jalen Chatfield Scores Hurricanes First Goal Of Postseason