The first-round playoff clash in the Stanley Cup between the Carolina Hurricanes and the New Jersey Devils will take place on April 23 at the Lenovo Center in Raleigh. The series score stands at 1-0 in favor of Carolina. Carolina vs. New Jersey: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Carolina Hurricanes
Rod Brind'Amour's team kicked off their Stanley Cup campaign with a home victory, winning 4-1. Notably, the team nearly doubled their opponent's shot count (45:24). Key performers for Carolina included Logan Stankoven, who scored twice, and Taylor Hall, who provided two assists in the game. It's worth noting that after the first few days of this playoff, the club ranks among the most reliable, having conceded only one goal.
- Carolina has scored at least three goals in regular time in 9 of their last 11 NHL home games.
- The club has won at the end of three periods in 9 of their last 11 home league matches.
- Carolina has conceded at least two goals in regular time in 5 of their last 8 NHL home games.
New Jersey Devils
Sheldon Keefe's team suffered their fifth defeat in their last six NHL games, losing the first match of the Stanley Cup playoffs. The only aspect where the club outperformed their opponent was in faceoffs won (46:26). Notably, after the first few days, New Jersey ranks among the worst in power-play conversion, failing to score during six minutes of opponent penalties.
It's worth noting that Cody Glass, Brenden Dillon, and Luke Hughes were unable to finish the previous match due to injuries, and their participation in future games of the series is uncertain.
- New Jersey has not scored more than two goals in regular time in their last eight NHL meetings on Carolina's ice.
- The club has won 4 of their last 5 away league matches (1 in OT).
- At least five goals have been scored in regular time in 5 of New Jersey's last 6 NHL games.
Carolina vs. New Jersey: Match Prediction
The first game of the series went as expected. Carolina proved stronger and rightfully took the lead in the series, leaving the opponent with little chance. I believe that in the second game, not much will change. Before heading to the opponent's rink, Carolina should secure a comfortable advantage, and there are no signs that the scenario in the second game will differ significantly from the first, in my opinion.
As the home team, Carolina has won in regular time in 6 of their last 8 NHL meetings. Additionally, the team has 9 victories in their last 11 home league matches. I think nothing will stop Carolina at home, especially since the first game of the series clearly showed that New Jersey's chances are low, and now the losses in their lineup could worsen the situation.
I'm betting on a home win.
Match prediction: Carolina Hurricanes to win
