A scary high stick to the Hurricanes’ Jesperi Kotkaniemi turned out to be a best-case scenario for the Hurricanes: The forward escaped a serious eye injury, and the Canes eliminated the Devils ...

Carolina Hurricanes player Jesperi Kotkaniemi talks to the media on May 1, 2025, two days after he was hit in the eye by a New Jersey Devils’ player’s stick during their NHL playoff game.

Carolina Hurricanes center Jesperi Kotkaniemi (82) talks with coaches Jeff Daniels and Rod Brind’Amour during practice on Friday, May 2, 2025 at Lenovo Center in Raleigh, N.C. Kotkaniemi injured ...

Carolina Hurricanes player Jesperi Kotkaniemi talks to the media on May 1, 2025, two days after he was hit in the eye by a New Jersey Devils’ player’s stick during their NHL playoff game.

Carolina Hurricanes center Jesperi Kotkaniemi (82) talks with coaches Jeff Daniels and Rod Brind’Amour during practice on Friday, May 2, 2025 at Lenovo Center in Raleigh, N.C. Kotkaniemi injured ...