May 1, 2025; Carolina Hurricanes forward Jesperi Kotkaniemi speaks with the media. Two days earlier, he took a high stick above the eye that led to the Canes' eventual series-winning goal.

That’s what happened to Kotkaniemi on Tuesday, when Devils center Dawson Mercer lifted his stick into Kotkaniemi’s face. How Hurricanes-Devils Game 5 lived up to expectations of the unexpected ...

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.

— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) February 28, 2025 Kotkaniemi made sure to set the tone early, hoping to light a fire under his teammates as they look to turn Carolina's recent struggles around.

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 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 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.