Not long after his game-winning playoff goal against the Devils, the Canes' Jussi Jokinen was asked if he might be watching SportsCenter to catch the highlights.
"I will watch," Jokinen said with a big smile.
Jokinen didn't have to watch long. The dramatic goal, scored with two-tenths of a second to play, was the lead story on ESPN's morning show.
What viewers didn't see was Canes coach Paul Maurice sending Jokinen, the fourth-line center, out on the final shift with center Rod Brind'Amour and winger Sergei Samsonov instead of Patrick Eaves.
"At the end of the game, I thought Paddy Eaves had forechecked so hard I might get him to the intermission," Maurice, who was already thinking about overtime, said today before the team flight to New Jersey.
"Jussi is a smart hockey player who has played the wing. We knew Jussi could go in and make the plays."
Jokinen, acquired Feb. 7 in a trade with Tampa Bay, proceeded to make one of the biggest in franchise history. With Jokinen planted in front of goalie Martin Brodeur, Dennis Seidenberg unleashed a shot from the point with one second to play, the puck glancing off Jokinen's left skate and past Brodeur to give the Canes a 4-3 victory and 2-2 tie in the series.
"The trade for Jussi was a quiet one," Maurice said. "But he has done so much for our hockey club. He's played all the lines, stepped in for Matt Cullen when Matt was injured. He was our fourth-line center and his line has played great. He has been a quiet, huge addition for us."
How huge was the victory? Maurice isn't sure of the effects — on either team — heading into Game 5 Thursday night at The Rock.
"It can go both ways," he said. "I know if it was 3-1 (in the series) we'd be in trouble. Now, we feel good and going back to a place where we have won.
"We'll focus in being prepared knowing each team has lost a tough game and come back with that fight."
A Raleigh native, Chip has worked at the N&O since 1979 and is the Canes beat writer. He can be reached at 
Comments
listen real careful
Wed, 04/22/2009 - 17:42 — jejohn8http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=atvLulCydfk
Greetings Back to the N.J. Devils Fan
Wed, 04/22/2009 - 14:54 — abramsdougI think all the Hurricanes fans appreciate your kind comments. Coach Sutter is a truly first class coach, and your team reflects his brilliant hockey mind. As you probably are aware, his son Brandon Sutter is a star in the making for the Hurricanes. I predict next year Brandon Sutter will have a very significant impact in the NHL. We feel fortunate to have him on the team.
Fans & Announcers
Wed, 04/22/2009 - 14:08 — PKTo the fans of the Hurricanes, and the broadcast team -
I'm a Devils fan, and have been since the days of the "Christmas Unis". I live outside of the Devils local broadcast area, so I watch all games on NHL Center Ice.
Last night I watched the Hurricanes feed because our announce team wasn't being broadcast.
I watch a lot of games, and frequently watch the opposition feed. A lot of times, the opposition broadcast is very biased and rarely are they knowledgeable.
Well, I just wanted to drop you guys a note to let you know how much I appreciated watching your broadcast. You've got great guys in the booth down there. It was really a pleasure to hear such an even-handed broadcast by 2 professionals who dole out the praise accordingly to both teams.
You also have a fantastic crowd down there. You fans really know your hockey and cheer your rear-ends off. Any team would be proud to have fans like you all.
Good luck the rest of the series. I hope we win, but here's to a great series so far.
I can't wait until the next time I'm in Raleigh and I get a chance to take in a game at your building.
Devil's Fans
Wed, 04/22/2009 - 17:58 — CaniacGuyY'all are alright in my book, even if my cousin Mike is an unabashed Devils fan who's still not over Gomez going to the (we all hate 'em) Rangers!!!
Happiness is watching whatever team you pull for win. Non-guilty happiness is watching your team beat their team in a well played game with great fans from both sides.
Supreme happiness is 30 or 40 trash-talking-text-messages between two cousins on opposite sides.
Thanks PK.
Doc Emerick ain't bad either
Wed, 04/22/2009 - 16:02 — wxray1He has his quirks, but he's a good announcer. I love his catchcall "driiiivvve!!!". But more than that, he too plays it fair.
On the radio, the Cane's Chuck K. was getting heat from some fans for not being a "homer" enough. Chuck was unapologetic, saying he is going to get excited at a good hockey play, no matter the team. (The fans didn't like his excitement showing at opposing team's goals.)
Now, there are some other team's announcers... Ugh! I'd rather not get into it.
The Devils fans have been cordial at the arena. Maybe some day we need to all have a kumbya and gang up on some common enemy (Penguins?). :-)
Doc & Chuck
Thu, 04/23/2009 - 05:21 — esteban1949i agrees 1000% both have thier " ways" but if we look back on other famous sports broadcaster, we'll find they to had quirks and ways that became their 'trademarks' .And since i have been following the canes for several (as in many) years now To me a Canes radio broadcast would never be the same without Chuck...warts,flaws and all...
Go Canes !!!
do you got warts
Thu, 04/23/2009 - 12:13 — jejohn8do you got warts and flaws words mixed up ?
You mean
Thu, 04/23/2009 - 16:38 — esteban1949it should have read " Flaws & Warts " ?? as in being alphabetically correct ???
If that is the case, Naw...as thereis NOT one politically or alphabetically correct bone in me humble little body...
But thank you anyway...have a safe & fun week end.:-}
Go Canes !!
PK
Wed, 04/22/2009 - 15:16 — esteban1949We the Fans of the Hurricanes...Thank you !!
Enjoy the rest of your week...
Go Canes !!