RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) – After a decade-long wait, Carolina Hurricanes fans rode the emotional rollercoaster of a Game 7 Wednesday against the Washington Capitals.

“It’s do or die. This is something we’ve been waiting for for 10 years,” said Kelly Strusky.

Fans like Strusky who have waited for so long won’t have to hold on much longer for the next Hurricanes game. Brock McGinn’s double-overtime goal ousted the defending Stanley Cup Champions and sent the Hurricanes to a second-round matchup with the New York Islanders.

“It’s been a roller coaster ride. We’d go to Washington and have some trouble there. Then we’d come home and win again,” said fan Aidan Schreiner.

Some fans were honest. They didn’t think their Hurricanes would make it to the playoffs at the start of the season.

“As a fan, you have to believe, otherwise why are you a fan? In the beginning, we had some rough patches. We had some goalie issues. We’ve made a nice run in the last month or two,” said Ian Sunshine.

Between the Storm Surge, the “Bunch of Jerks,” and bringing the roar back to PNC Arena, these fans are proud of what the Hurricanes accomplished.

“It means family. They are just not my friends, they are family. This team is just, it’s amazing when they come together,” Strusky said.

The second round for Carolina begins Friday in New York.