April 20, 2025, 08:24 PM ET
RAILY, N.C. — Logan Stancoven provided an immediate shock in his first playoff game against the Carolina hurricane.
The 22-year-old forward scored twice on Sunday in the second term, with the Hurricane beating the New Jersey Devils 4-1 in the opening game of the first round playoff series. This was part of a strong debut, including his work on the Hurricane’s top defensive forward line with Captain Jordan Stirl and Jordan Martinock.
“I love playing big games and meaningful hockey. I have the motivation to contribute as much as possible,” Stern said. “Yeah, it’s always nice to get on the scoresheet.”
Stankoven’s play was part of the Hurricane’s strong top-to-bottom start on his seventh straight trip to the playoffs. And it provided an example of why he was the main return of a trade deadline deal that allowed Carolina to pivot from adding scoring winger Mikko Lantanen in January.
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“He has a little more skill than me and Marty. Obviously he can put the puck in the net,” Stahl said. “He is clearly a good little player, he finds holes, is good at speed and can shoot pucks.
The 5-foot-8, 165-pound Stancoven had five goals and four assists in 19 regular-season games against Carolina, while coach Rod Brinder Amar tinkered with the line group to find the perfect fit for Stancoven. That ultimately led to Sternkuven playing alongside 6-4, 220 pound Staal and 6-1, 208 pound Martinok, even if the Hurricanes closed the regular season.
“It worked out tonight,” Brindamour said. “But you’re right, you’re a safety net where players play with two guys.
Stankoven’s first goal provided an example of fit when Martinook pushed up the ice on the right and tried to send a backhand feed next to the ice towards the fold. Devils Center’s Nikohisia knocked it down, but Martinok stayed on the forecheck, driving Hisie into a turnover behind the goal.
Martinoke then slid over Sternkouven, which slid the puck into the slide, sending the puck past Jacob Markstrom for a 2-0 lead. Stankoven stopped when he hit Staal. The linemates raised their arms in victory and faced each other before skating and hugging them to participate.
Logan Stancoven provided an immediate shock in his first playoff game against Carolina, scoring twice in the second period on Sunday, helping the Hurricanes defeated the Devils 4-1 in the opening game of the first round series. Kato Cataldo/nhli via Getty Images
“I mean, I think they have the skills too,” Sternkoven said with the smile of his linemate. “It’s nice to have some big bodies in my line, they do a really good job of making space for me.
A few minutes later, Stankoven provided the punches he needed for his power play. A companion new addition, Taylor Hall, whipped a cross-ice pass to the right, whipping from the showdown dot with Mark Strom to Sternkuven, who had a clean lane. Stankoven whipped a shot that rose past Markstrom’s right shoulder, and the puck took a 3-0 lead to the net from inside the left post.
“I’m just trying to adapt to those players and be in the right place to get the puck down,” Sternven said. “Like you said, it takes a little time at first, but I think I’ve adjusted pretty well. Everyone communicated with me and helped me.”
