NHL: Carolina 4, New Jersey 3

NEWARK, N.J., April 28 (UPI) -- Jussi Jokinen and Eric Staal scored 48 seconds apart in the final 80 seconds Tuesday to lift Carolina to a 4-3 playoff series-deciding victory over New Jersey.

The victory in Game 7 of their Eastern Conference quarterfinals sent the Hurricanes into the Eastern semifinals.

Tuomo Ruutu and Ray Whitney also scored for Carolina, which entered the closing period with a 3-2 deficit. Jokinen tied the game with 1:20 left and Staal put the game-winner in the goal with 31.7 seconds remaining.

Cam Ward had 32 saves for the Hurricanes, who will face the top-seeded Boston Bruins in the second round.

Brian Rolston, Jamie Langenbrunner and Jay Pandolfo scored for the Devils.