The first-round playoff clash in the Stanley Cup between the New Jersey Devils and the Carolina Hurricanes will take place on April 26 at the Prudential Center. The series score is 2-0 in favor of Carolina. New Jersey vs. Carolina: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
New Jersey Devils
Sheldon Keefe's team suffered their third consecutive defeat in the championship, losing the last game of the series (1-3). New Jersey opened the scoring this time, with Jesper Bratt scoring the only goal for the visitors in the fourth minute. Notably, New Jersey is among the most conceding teams in this playoff (7 goals). Additionally, the club has one of the worst power-play records, having not converted a single power-play opportunity in the current Stanley Cup campaign.
- New Jersey has scored at least three goals in regular time in 5 of their last 7 NHL home games.
- The club has lost after three periods in four previous home league matches.
- No more than six goals have been scored in regular time in 6 of New Jersey's last 9 NHL games.
Carolina Hurricanes
Rod Brind'Amour's side strengthened their series lead with their tenth regulation-time victory in their last 12 home games in the championship. In the last match, Jordan Martinook stood out for Carolina (1+1). Currently, in this Stanley Cup campaign, the team ranks among the most productive, scoring seven goals over two matches. Furthermore, they have the best power-play conversion in this playoff, having capitalized on all opponent penalties.
- Carolina has lost in six consecutive away NHL games (1 in a shootout).
- The club has not scored more than three goals in regular time in 6 of their last 9 away league games.
- The team has conceded at least four goals in 60 minutes in 5 of their last 6 away NHL games.
New Jersey vs. Carolina: Match Prediction
Compared to the first game, New Jersey managed to adapt in the second and tried for a long time to maintain their lead, while Carolina found it challenging to breach the opponent's defense. In the upcoming match, the visitors might push New Jersey to the brink of elimination from the Stanley Cup, but considering the pattern of play in the previous meeting, I believe the hosts will manage to hold on.
Carolina has struggled in recent away games, currently holding six consecutive league defeats (1 in a shootout). Meanwhile, New Jersey ended the regular season similarly, with four consecutive home losses, but on their ice, against Carolina, the team won in regular time in 4 of the last 6 head-to-head league encounters.
I think the hosts will be able to redeem themselves in the upcoming match, especially since as the home team this season, they have won both times against Carolina in regular time. Although not necessarily within 60 minutes, New Jersey should, in my opinion, hold their ground.
Match prediction: New Jersey Devils to win the match
