The Carolina Hurricanes won game five of the First Round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs in double overtime, winning their series against the New Jersey Devils, 4-1. Carolina has done what it has set out to do in the first round: win their first two games at home, split the two games in New Jersey, and win the decider at home.

This year, the Canes seek to win the franchise’s second Stanley Cup, after seven arduous seasons of attempting to do so. It may be not so far-fetched to suggest that Carolina can do it and finally break through to the promised land.

Carolina boasts depth, a whole lot of depth, that they haven’t had in the past. All four of the Canes offensive lines are balanced and if a player were to get injured, another guy could step up, play well and contribute to the team. The defensive pairings are solid as well, with all of the players being solid contributors, particularly Brent Burns and Jaccob Slavin.

Goaltending may be more of a problem. Frederick Anderson has been diagnosed with a head injury that he suffered during game four and is considered to be day to day.  In his place, Pyotr Kotchetkov took over goaltending duties for game five and struggled during the first period, allowing three goals before steadying himself and playing well the rest of the game.

If Kotchetkov proves to be a solid goaltender, then all the pieces will fall into place for the Canes to make a deep playoff run. 

However, the Washington Capitals stand in the way, led by Alex Ovechkin, who recently broke Wayne Gretzky’s all time goal record and Logan Thompson in goal, who will have a chip on his shoulder after being snubbed of the Vezina Trophy, which is given to the best goaltender. 

If the Canes can beat Washington, then they may be in good shape to win the Stanley Cup.