• The Devils’ first period was by far their best of the series, not only outshooting and out-hitting the Hurricanes, but they took the 1-0 lead, their first of the series. New Jersey controlled the first period play and had its most aggressive and sustained offensive zone pressure of the series.

It’s what led to Bratt’s opening goal, with Nico Hischier’s line hemming in Carolina before New Jersey changed lines on the fly with Mercer jumping on the ice with Haula and Bratt, continuing to outwork the Canes. The Devils had a shoot-first and attacking mentality on full display, a recipe that gave them their early 1-0 lead.

• After suffering an injury in Game 1, Cody Glass was able to return to play in Game 2. He centered the Devils third line alongside Paul Cotter and Stefan Noesen.

• New Jersey was playing without two essential pieces to their team. Both Brenden Dillon and Luke Hughes were out with injuries sustained in Game 1. Dillon suffered his injury in the second period of Game 1, while Hughes was injured in the third.

“We’ll have to get back to Jersey after today and see where they’re at,” head coach Sheldon Keefe said on Tuesday morning.

In their place, Dennis Cholowski and Simon Nemec entered the lineup, both players making the Stanley Cup Playoff debuts. It also meant the coaching staff relying heavily on the top four defensemen, carrying the majority of the workload especially with special teams play involved.

After 40 minutes of play, Brett Pesce led the charge with 16:50 time on ice, followed by Brian Dumoulin (16:49), Hamilton (15:40), and Johnny Kovacevic (13:19).

Nemec and Cholowski played 8:24 and 5:33, respectively after 40 minutes.

• Game 2 was the first time all season that Hurricanes netminder Frederik Anderson started two consecutive games this season.