Apr 22, 2025; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Hurricanes left wing Jordan Martinook (48) celebrates his goal with defenseman Dmitry Orlov (7) against the New Jersey Devils during the second period in game two of the first round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Lenovo Center. (James Guillory-Imagn Images) [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/771df956-834b-4a83-9cc2-597317964be9.jpeg] Apr 22, 2025; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Hurricanes left wing Jordan Martinook (48) celebrates his goal with defenseman Dmitry Orlov (7) against the New Jersey Devils during the second period in game two of the first round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Lenovo Center. (James Guillory-Imagn Images) Many fear the Devil, but if you're a fan or member of the New Jersey Devils, you fear Jordan Martinook. The Carolina Hurricanes forward has picked up right where he left off from the 2023 second-round series (10 points in 5 games), and now has points in all seven playoffs games he's played against the Devils. In those seven games, Martinook has four goals (two of them game-winners) and 13 points, but even beyond the scoresheet, he has seven shot blocks, seven takeaways and 19 shots and hits. He's been an all around stat stuffer against the Devils and at this point, he may just be a minority owner. "It might just be coincidence, but it's not a coincidence that that type of player has success in the playoffs," said Hurricanes coach Rod Brind'Amour. "I just love the playoffs," Martinook said. "I feel like it brings the best out of me. I just love the emotion, the energy, the games. It's the funnest time of the year for a reason. I couldn't tell you [why I score so much against New Jersey], but it's a lot of fun out there." Last night was no different. Martinook made two high-level offensive plays in the game, first a wicked shorthanded snipe to give his team the lead in the second period, and then making the play to set up the empty netter at the end to seal the victory. "It was a scrum off of the draw and then they kind of got on the wrong side of it," Martinook said on the lead up to his shorty. "Orly came out with it and I could see we were on the good side of it and then I knew I could just take off." Along with his linemates Jordan Staal and Logan Stankoven, have the hardest assignment on the ice, going against New Jersey's top line, but they were on the ice for just one high-danger chance against and have yet to be scored on this series. Martinook also had a crucial shot block and clear on a third-period New Jersey power play to help keep his team ahead. "You're just doing anything you can to help your team win," Martinook said. "If that's scoring or blocking shots or getting pucks out, it's just all the little things that you try to do to win at this time of year. Obviously I'm thrilled that I can chip in offensively and help this team win that way, but if I had three or four blocked shots and can help the team that way, I'm going to do anything I can to help this team win and keep this thing going." "I can't think of enough good things to say about that game in particular, which might have been his most impactful game as a Hurricane," Brind'Amour said. "He's had a bunch, especially in big moments. Obviously the goal was huge, but if you watched, there were tons of blocked shots, the play even at the end of the game. A special play there to get the empty netter. He was all over this game for us." Not only is Martinook beloved by his coach, but his teammates love him too. The veteran wears a letter for a reason even when he's not leading his team to victory on the ice. "Marty's a heart and soul guy, everyone knows that," Shayne Gostisbehere said. "He does a lot out on the ice and you guys don't see the behind the scenes stuff that he does. He wears a letter for a reason. He's a great leader for us and shows." "He's a great guy and he works extremely hard," said Jaccob Slavin. "Nights like tonight, you're just happy for him. It's huge for him. Hopefully he can keep playing like that as he's a huge part of our team." -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Be sure to check out the Carolina Hurricanes 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs Hub [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/carolina-hurricanes/latest-news/carolina-hurricanes-2025-stanley-cup-playoffs-hub] for all postseason stories! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stay updated with the most interesting Carolina Hurricanes stories, analysis, breaking news and more! Tap the star to add us to your favorites on Google News [https://news.google.com/publications/CAAqBwgKMK-q0gsw7sXpAw/sections/CAQqEAgAKgcICjCvqtILMO7F6QMwmeDfCA?hl=en-CA&gl=CA&ceid=CA%3Aen] to never miss a story.
