Kotkaniemi and Fast hook up on OT winner to eliminate the Devils

The Carolina Hurricanes are going to the Eastern Conference Final!

The Hurricanes eliminated the New Jersey Devils in Game 5 this evening, earning a 3-2 overtime victory to close out the series.

Jesper Fast tipped home a shot from Jesperi Kotkaniemi in overtime for the victory.

Check it out:

And the series ending handshake:

And, of course, the post-game Storm Surge:

The Hurricanes are now headed to the Eastern Conference Final where they'll take on either the Florida Panthers or the Toronto Maple Leafs, pending the result of their series. The Panthers, of course, are up 3-1 in the series and have the Leafs on the brink. 

Interestingly enough, the Hurricanes are now the highest seeded team left in the Stanley Cup Playoffs and, as a result, they'll have home ice advantage in the ECF and the Stanley Cup Final should they advance further.

More to come.