The 2024-25 NHL regular season has concluded, leading to an offseason of reflection for nine eliminated teams. Each team will evaluate their performance, assessing failures and successes while strategizing for free agency, trades, and the upcoming draft.

The New Jersey Devils showed resilience despite injuries and the absence of star Jack Hughes, bolstered by strong performances from Nico Hischier and Jesper Bratt. In contrast, the Columbus Blue Jackets made strides but struggled with goaltending and injuries. The Calgary Flames improved their identity but faced offensive challenges, while the Anaheim Ducks' youth showed promise, highlighted by Luka Dostal's goaltending.

Other teams like the Boston Bruins embraced a rebuild, trading assets for future potential but suffered a disappointing season. The Buffalo Sabres are desperate to snap their long playoff drought, while the Chicago Blackhawks are rebuilding around young talent. The Detroit Red Wings are seeking consistency to end their playoff absence, while the Nashville Predators and New York Islanders need to reassess their roster dynamics in preparation for a more competitive future.

The Carolina Hurricanes are facing significant injury concerns heading into their next game. Goaltender Frederik Andersen was absent from the morning skate, with coach Rod Brind'Amour stating he is day-to-day. Spencer Martin took his place on the ice. Additionally, forward Jesperi Kotkaniemi is nursing a cut above his eye from a previous match. Meanwhile, the Dallas Stars report that Miro Heiskanen and Jason Robertson are both in stable condition regarding their injuries.

In other news, Marcus Johansson returned from a lower-body injury for the Minnesota Wild, while Filip Gustavsson missed the third period of his last game due to an illness. The New Jersey Devils have confirmed Luke Hughes and Brenden Dillon will miss the series. The St. Louis Blues' Tyler Tucker is also day-to-day after an injury, and Tampa Bay Lightning's Brandon Hagel will not play in their upcoming game. Meanwhile, the Winnipeg Jets are hopeful for Nikolaj Ehlers' return soon, although he is still considered week-to-week.

In a thrilling double-overtime showdown, Sebastian Aho's overtime goal propelled the Carolina Hurricanes to a 5-4 victory over the New Jersey Devils, clinching their first-round playoff series in five games. Aho's decisive shot, set up by Shayne Gostisbehere during a power play, marked his second goal of the night, capping a remarkable comeback from a 3-0 deficit. Taylor Hall, Jackson Blake, and Andrei Svechnikov also scored for the Hurricanes, who demonstrated resilience by leveling the game after a chaotic second period.

Despite the Devils' early dominance, Carolina's relentless offense led to an impressive 34-12 shot advantage after the second period, forcing Devils' goalie Jacob Markstrom to make a staggering 48 saves. With this victory, the Hurricanes advance to the second round, awaiting the winner of the Montreal-Washington series, in which the Capitals currently lead 3-1.

In a thrilling playoff matchup, Sebastian Aho scored a decisive one-timer in the second overtime, sealing a 5-4 victory for the Carolina Hurricanes over the New Jersey Devils. This dramatic win allowed the Hurricanes to clinch their first-round series, moving them into the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The game was marked by a rollercoaster of events, with Carolina initially trailing 3-0 within the first 10 minutes. The turning point came during a double-minor penalty on Dawson Mercer, which led to Aho's game-winning goal while the Hurricanes were on a four-minute power play.

This win propels Carolina into the next round, where they await the victor of the Montreal Canadiens vs. Washington Capitals series, with the Capitals currently leading that matchup 3-1. Aho's performance and the resilience of the Hurricanes in overcoming an early deficit highlight their potential as they advance deeper into the playoffs.

The NHL playoffs heat up with four critical games tonight as teams grapple with elimination and pivotal matchups. On Tuesday, fans can look forward to action from the Ottawa Senators, New Jersey Devils, Minnesota Wild, and Edmonton Oilers. The Senators seek to stave off elimination against the Toronto Maple Leafs after a thrilling overtime victory, while the Devils face a must-win situation against the Carolina Hurricanes. Pivotal Game 5s will be on display as the Wild take on the Golden Knights and the Oilers challenge the Kings. Expect a night filled with excitement, with potential for high-scoring games.