The first-round playoff clash in the Stanley Cup between the Carolina Hurricanes and the New Jersey Devils will take place on April 20 at the Lenovo Center in Raleigh. Carolina vs. New Jersey: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Carolina Hurricanes
Rod Brind'Amour's team finished fourth in the Eastern Conference at the end of the regular season, and in the Metropolitan Division, they were second only to Washington in points. This season, the team was the best in penalty killing (83.6%), but among the worst in power play efficiency (18.7%). Notably, the team ranked among the top three in shot activity. Sebastian Aho collected the most points for the club (29+45), and Seth Jarvis, with 31 goals, was the team's top scorer this season.
Last year, Carolina reached the Stanley Cup quarterfinals but was eliminated by the Rangers at that stage. The upcoming playoffs will be the team's seventh consecutive appearance, during which they reached the semifinals twice but were swept on both occasions.
- Carolina has scored at least three goals in regulation time in 8 of their last 10 home NHL meetings.
- The club has won at the end of three periods in 8 of their last 10 home league matches.
- At least six goals have been scored in regulation time in 4 of Carolina's last 5 NHL games.
New Jersey Devils
Sheldon Keefe's team finished seventh in the East in the regular season and ranked in the top three in the Metropolitan Division. New Jersey was third in power play efficiency (28.9%) and only trailed Carolina in penalty killing this season (82.7%). Among the playoff eight in the West, the team was one of the most reliable, conceding a total of 222 goals, second only to Tampa Bay in this regard. Jesper Bratt was the club's top scorer in the regular season with 88 points (21+67), while Jack Hughes was the top goal scorer with 27 goals.
The last time New Jersey participated in the Stanley Cup playoffs was in the 2022/23 season. The club overcame the first-round barrier, marking their first playoff appearance since 2018. In the quarterfinals, they faced Carolina, losing in five games in the series.
- New Jersey has not scored more than two goals in regulation time in their last seven NHL meetings at Carolina's venue.
- The club has won 4 of their last 5 away league games (1 in OT).
- At least six goals have been scored in regulation time in 4 of New Jersey's last 5 NHL games.
Carolina vs. New Jersey: Match Prediction
The end of the regular season was unfortunate for Rod Brind'Amour's team, as they suffered 6 losses in 7 games (1 in shootouts). However, the season overall can be considered stable for Carolina, with only one four-game losing streak. Compared to last season, the team has significantly declined only in power play execution, while in other aspects, they remain solid, at least in the first-round stage.
New Jersey, meanwhile, looks very convincing in defense and impresses with their special teams. Nevertheless, their first-round opponent appears more cohesive at this stage and could pose problems for the club due to their systematic approach. Additionally, it's no secret that teams under Sheldon Keefe struggle in the first round, and New Jersey has lost to Carolina in the Stanley Cup playoffs in their last four series.
I believe Carolina will secure a comfortable start and win the first game of the series. The team has won at the end of three periods in 5 of their last 7 home NHL meetings, so my prediction: Carolina Hurricanes to win
