The first-round playoff encounter in the Stanley Cup between the New Jersey Devils and the Carolina Hurricanes will take place on April 27 at the Prudential Center. The series score is 2-1 in favor of Carolina. New Jersey vs. Carolina: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
New Jersey Devils
New Jersey claimed their first victory in the series, defeating Carolina on home ice in overtime with a 3-2 scoreline. The decisive goal was scored by Simon Nemec. This marks the team's first win in their last five home NHL games. It's also worth noting that the club has one of the lowest scoring records in regulation time in the current playoffs: a total of four goals in the last three matches.
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New Jersey has not scored more than two goals in regulation time in 8 of their last 9 NHL home games.
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In 7 of the last 9 home NHL matches involving New Jersey, no more than six goals were scored in regulation time.
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As hosts, the team has conceded at least 2 goals in regulation time in the last 6 head-to-head league meetings.
Carolina Hurricanes
Rod Brind'Amour's side failed to capitalize on their series lead against New Jersey: notably, this is the team's seventh consecutive away loss in the league. However, it's worth highlighting their strong defensive play, as they rank second in the playoffs for the fewest goals conceded: only five goals allowed in the last three matches, including overtime.
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The club has lost 8 of their last 9 NHL matches as the visiting team (1 in shootouts, 1 in OT).
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The team has conceded at least three goals in regulation time in 6 of their last 7 away NHL games.
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In 7 of the last 9 away NHL matches involving Carolina, at least six goals were scored in regulation time.
New Jersey vs. Carolina: Match Prediction
Sheldon Keefe's team currently alternates between wins and losses, including in home games. However, on their home ice, the team strives to find the back of the net: in 11 of their last 12 NHL matches, New Jersey has scored at least two goals in 60 minutes. In head-to-head home encounters, a similar trend is observed: the club has scored at least two goals in 12 of 13 NHL matches in regulation time.
Carolina is also experiencing a challenging period, but despite this, the team's overall goal-scoring statistics are improving with almost every match: in 10 of 12 encounters, the club has scored at least 2 goals in regulation time as the visiting team in the NHL. In personal encounters, Rod Brind'Amour's side has also been consistent: in 10 of 11 matches as the visitors, the team has scored at least two goals in 60 minutes.
In my opinion, the trend regarding the number of goals scored will continue, and both teams will strive to capitalize on every scoring opportunity in the upcoming match.
My prediction: Both teams to score over 1.5 – yes
