The first-round playoff clash in the Stanley Cup between the Carolina Hurricanes and the New Jersey Devils will take place on April 30 at the Lenovo Center in Raleigh. The series score is 3-1 in favor of Carolina. Carolina vs. New Jersey: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Carolina Hurricanes
Rod Brind'Amour's side is one step away from advancing to the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs, having won the last away game 5-2. In the previous match, Carolina's standout player was Andrei Svechnikov, who recorded his second career NHL playoff hat-trick. Notably, in the current Stanley Cup campaign, the team boasts the best penalty-killing percentage, having not conceded a single goal while shorthanded.
It's worth mentioning that goalie Frederik Andersen was injured in the last game and was replaced by Pyotr Kochetkov early in the second period.
- Carolina has scored at least three goals in regular time in 10 of their last 12 home NHL encounters.
- The team has won after three periods in 10 of their last 12 home league games.
- At least five goals have been scored in regular time in 6 of Carolina's last 7 home NHL matches.
New Jersey Devils
Sheldon Keefe's team is on the brink of elimination from the Stanley Cup after their recent defeat. Notably, in their last nine NHL games, New Jersey has failed to win in regular time (2 draws, 7 losses). In the last match, Timo Meier was a key contributor for the team, participating in both of the home side's goals (1 goal, 1 assist). New Jersey is among the three teams with the lowest scoring in this playoff (7 goals).
- New Jersey has not scored more than two goals in regular time in their last nine NHL encounters at Carolina's venue.
- The team has conceded at least three goals in 60 minutes in 5 of their last 6 away league games.
- At least five goals have been scored in regular time in 6 of New Jersey's last 9 NHL matches.
Carolina vs. New Jersey: Match Prediction
Everything in this series points to Carolina securing a spot in the next round in the upcoming match. The team truly appears stronger than their opponent, and I believe New Jersey will struggle to hold on. Rod Brind'Amour's team has a great chance to finish the series at home, and even Frederik Andersen's injury is unlikely to hinder their path to this goal.
As hosts, Carolina has won after three periods in 7 of their last 9 NHL encounters. Additionally, they have 10 wins in regular time in their last 12 home league games. New Jersey, on the other hand, has lost both away games in this series after 60 minutes.
I believe the hosts will do their utmost to avoid extending the series, so I'm backing their victory. My prediction: Carolina Hurricanes to win
