Jacob Markstrom made 25 saves on 27 shots for the New Jersey Devils in their 3-1 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference First Round at Lenovo Center on Tuesday.
Game 3 of the best-of-7 series will shift to Newark, New Jersey, on Friday at 8:00 p.m. ET (MSGSN, TBS, Max, SN360, TVAS2).
Jesper Bratt scored the game's opening goal 3:51 into the first period. It marked his second point of the series. Former Hurricanes Erik Haula and Dougie Hamilton picked up the assists. It was the defenseman's first point since returning from injury.
The Hurricanes started the second period with a surge, scoring two goals in the first five minutes of play. Shayne Gostisbehere and Jordan Martinook scored their first goals of the series, with the latter potting his first when Carolina was shorthanded.
New Jersey's power play remains a concern as the club went 0-for-3.
"Special teams are the difference," head coach Sheldon Keefe said. "We knew coming into this series, our power play has been our edge all season long, and it was going to be a real challenge for us going up against this penalty kill, and it could be a big factor in the series. It has really, in a lot of ways, been the story in the first two games."
Carolina's goaltender, Frederik Anderson, arguably stole the game, making 25 saves on 26 shots.
Seth Jarvis sealed the win for the Hurricanes, hitting the empty net with less than a minute remaining for a 3-1 final.
"We are pretty much doing everything right," Jesper Bratt said. "A game like today just obviously didn't get the bounces with us. I think there were a lot of times that we created a scramble in front, and the puck could have just bounced our way, and we would have been standing here with a different result today.
" I think overall, there is a lot of belief in this room that if we continue playing this kind of hockey, it is going to come our way," he continued. "We are just going to keep working and realize this is the level we need to play at to win against a team like this."
Make sure you "bookmark" THN's New Jersey site for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and more.
Hischier's ManagHischier's Fischer: 'He's Driven to Succeed', but Not Easily Satisfied'