Hurricanes expect better from Devils after Game 1 blowout

The Carolina Hurricanes cruised to a 5-1 victory over the New Jersey Devils to kick off the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs on Wednesday. However, the Hurricanes are not letting their guard down after the one-sided affair. 

Following Carolina's dominant win, head coach Rod Brind'Amour cautioned that the team had yet to see the Devils' best. 

"We know that New Jersey is going to play better, and I know that," Brind'Amour said via Bally Sports South. "After the first period, they showed what they can do -- a very scary team. For us to win, we're going to have everybody contributing like tonight." 

The Devils are coming off an intense seven-game series with the New York Rangers, which may have contributed to their lackluster Game 1 showing. Like their coach, the Hurricanes' players know how good the Devils can be and are prepared for a fight regardless of Wednesday's result. 

"I don't think they had the start they were looking for," Brady Skjei said. "We know the games coming up here they're really going to be flying." 

Carolina took control early, ending the first period with more goals (2) than shots allowed (1). After first-period tallies from Brett Pesce and Seth Jarvis, Jesperi Kotkaniemi's goal pushed Carolina to a 3-0 lead just 1:55 into the second period.