Not only was last night's game one of the NHL's best Game 7's in recent memory, but it's hard to recall a seven-game series that was so tightly contested and dramatic. From stellar goaltending to improbable goals, vicious hits to inspiring grace, New Jersey and Carolina's epic series will go down as one of the most memorable for many fans.
But with the euphoria comes the realization that the Hurricanes now face the Eastern Conference's top team, a squad they failed to beat in four meetings this season. The Bruins feature skill, grit and a Vezina-nominated goalie, plus Mark Recchi and Aaron Ward, members of Carolina's 2006 Stanley Cup-winning team.
For today, the team, its fans and the hockey world can focus on an amazing first-round matchup for the ages. Congratulations to the New Jersey Devils on an amazingly hard-fought series.
Finally, a big thanks and condolences to our friends at In Lou We Trust, who did a great job covering the series from the New Jersey angle. With that in mind, we greet Stanley Cup Of Chowder, SB Nation's Bruins blog. Good luck in Round 2.
Game 7 Recaps And News
Canes Country: Movin' On -- Canes steal one from Devils, 4-3 • Boxscore And Game Stats
In Lou We Trust: Devils snatch defeat from the jaws of victory in Game 7, exit playoffs
Stanley Cup Of Chowder: Bring on the Hurricanes
News & Observer: Miracle at The Rock: Canes play on • Hurricanes manufacture a miracle in 80 seconds • Big goals, huge win for Hurricanes • Schedule announced, Round 2 tickets go on sale Wednesday • ESPN's Dewey beats Truman moment • Talking Points: Where does that rank • Talking Points: What can you say? • History in the making
The Star-Ledger: Devils' season ends on back-to-back goals in final 80 seconds • Langenbrunner underwent knee surgery April 18 • Devils came up small in their biggest moment • Staal played the hero with game-winning goal • Things you may have missed about Game 7 • Hurricanes still won, despite not having to pull their goalie • Sutter saw series lost on two heartbreakers • Shocking loss struck Langenbrunner to the core
NHL.com: Hurricanes stun Devils to win Game 7 • Late rally sends Carolina to second round • Unimaginable ending numbs the Devils • Devils-Hurricanes blog
WRALSportsFan.com: Hurricanes page (stories, video and audio)
850 The Buzz: What a Finnish • Jokinen & Staal stun Devils in Game 7 (audio and video)
From The Rink: Previewing Round 2
Puck Daddy: Analyzing Round 2 • Tuesday's Three Stars
ESPN.com: Brodeur letdown (video)
Big thanks to LTD for access to her photos!
The Hurricanes are all smiles as they are greeted by fans at RDU.