The Carolina Hurricanes will try to close out the New Jersey Devils in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference’s second round on Thursday in Raleigh.
Carolina skated circles around New Jersey and took a 3-1 series advantage with a 6-1 win in Game 4. The Hurricanes’ offensive depth shined again, with forward Martin Nečas scoring twice and Jordan Martinook adding three points in his fourth straight multi-point game.
Jack Hughes scored New Jersey’s lone goal, his sixth of the postseason. Only once in team history have the Devils won a series when trailing 3-1, the 2000 Eastern Conference final, and they have only forced a Game 6 in one of their past seven chances when trailing 3-1.
Here’s the Game 5 outlook along with some predictions and best bets for Game 5 between Carolina and New Jersey.
Hurricanes vs Devils Game 5 Odds
Hockey betting info used for these best bets was current as of Wednesday, May 10, at 10 a.m. ET, and was found at DraftKings Sportsbook.
- Moneyline: Hurricanes (-120) • Devils (+100)
- Puck Line: Hurricanes -1.5 (+215) • Devils +1.5 (-255)
- Total Goals Scored: Over 5.5 (-120) • Under 5.5 (+100)
Hurricanes vs Devils Game 5 Prediction
Hurricanes 5, Devils 2
New Jersey looks like a team that has no answer for Carolina, especially its aggressive forecheck. The Hurricanes, a team notorious for its use of matchups, have been lights out at home, going 4-1 this postseason and 10-2 over the past two playoff years.
Plus, the Devils appear to have far more questions than answers at this point. Who starts in goal? Does coach Lindy Ruff continue to deploy an 11-forward, seven-defenseman lineup? Where does New Jersey get offense — it scored eight goals in a Game 3 win yet has only 11 goals through four games.
Meanwhile, Carolina is having no such concerns. The Hurricanes weathered some early pressure, and Hughes’ early goal, thanks to goalie Frederik Andersen, then took it to the Devils in their five-goal second period in Game 4.
I’d be surprised if Carolina isn’t able to do that again in Game 5.
Hurricanes vs Devils Game 5 Best Bets
Hurricanes -1.5 (+215) • DraftKings Sportsbook
WAGER: 1 Unit
The Devils, arguably the best road team in hockey this season, may come out and play a strong road game, but there is no evidence they have that in them. Each of New Jersey’s six playoff losses has come by at least four goals, and it has allowed at least five goals in every one, including its past three away games over the first two rounds.
Given how shaky both Devils goalies Akira Schmid and Vítek Vaněček have been in the series, I fully expect that trend to continue. Ruff challenged the Devils to be better in their second win-or-go-home game this postseason, but even if they are, can they get a timely save?
Carolina has been relentless and seems to get stronger on home ice where the crowd energizes its aggressive forecheck. The Hurricanes, who haven’t been to the Eastern Conference final since 2019, are smelling blood.
If you’re nervous about a close game, wager Hurricanes moneyline at favorable odds. But based on the lopsided nature of this series, and the potential for the Hurricanes to tack on with empty-net goals late, Carolina covering the puck line is my NHL bet of the day.
Over 5.5 Total Goals (-120) • DraftKings Sportsbook
WAGER: 1 Unit
The Over is 4-0 in this series, mainly due to New Jersey’s revolving door of goaltenders. The Devils have an .828 team save percentage after surrendering 20 goals on 116 shots through four games.
The Devils will be aggressive, and may be borderline reckless, in their attempt to force a Game 6. The Hurricanes have been extremely successful in scoring on the rush in this series, especially shorthanded, and make their living by scoring early and tacking on with counterpunch-style goals.
Plus, Ruff will undoubtedly coach desperately if the Devils are behind in the third period — New Jersey has allowed two empty-net goals this postseason, with each coming while it was trailing 4-1.
Andersen has outplayed both Schmid and Vaněček thus far but has yet to earn a shutout in five playoff starts this year.
Look for another lopsided, high-scoring game in Game 5.
The New Jersey Devils will try to even their best-of-7 series with the Carolina Hurricanes in Game 4 their Eastern Conference second-round matchup on Tuesday night.
After dropping the first two games in Raleigh, the Devils roared back with an 8-4 win over the Canes in Game 3 on Sunday. Seven Devils had multi-point games, led by Jack Hughes who had two goals and two assists, and Timo Meier, who scored his first goal of the playoffs.
Jordan Martinook had his third straight two-point game and scored on a penalty shot. Frederik Andersen gave up four goals on 12 shots before giving way to backup Pyotr Kochetkov, who also allowed four goals on 22 shots.
Here’s a look at what to expect for the all-important Game 4 between Carolina and New Jersey.
Hurricanes vs Devils Game 4 Odds
Hockey betting info used for these best bets was current as of Monday, May 8, at 11 a.m. ET, and was found at DraftKings Sportsbook.
- Moneyline: Devils (-155) • Hurricanes (+135)
- Puck Line: Devils -1.5 (+175) • Hurricanes +1.5 (-205)
- Total Goals Scored: Over 5.5 (-110) • Under 5.5 (-110)
Hurricanes vs Devils Game 4 Prediction
Devils 4, Hurricanes 2
This has been the blowout series through three games. Carolina won the first two games by a combined score of 11-2, and New Jersey scored the third straight four-plus-goal margin of victory in Game 3.
But Carolina has had big problems on the road under coach Rod Brind’Amour. The Canes fell to 7-16 in road playoff games, not including the 2020 bubble, with 12 multi-goal losses since Brind’Amour took over in 2019,
The Devils have another level, especially defensively. Plus, you’d have to think coach Lindy Ruff will go back to rookie Akira Schmid in goal after watching Game 3 starter Vítek Vaněček allow four-plus goals in his third straight start.
Carolina bowled over the Islanders 5-2 in a pivotal Game 4 in its first-round series. But I think the Devils are too talented to fall into the same trap.
Hurricanes vs Devils Game 4 Best Bets
Devils -1.5 (+175) • DraftKings Sportsbook
WAGER: 1 Unit
Not only have the Hurricanes been bad on the road, they’ve largely been uncompetitive over the past two postseasons. Each of Carolina’s past eight road playoff losses have come by more than one goal.
There’s almost no doubt Brind’Amour will go back to Andersen in goal for Game 4, since Kochetkov wasn’t good, and first-round starter Antti Raanta is not available due to illness. Andersen has had his own road struggles in the playoffs during his career, sporting an 11-12 record in non-bubble road playoff games and allowing at least three goals in 17 of his 27 road postseason appearances.
This pick is largely based on Schmid starting for New Jersey, too, since he is 2-0 in the postseason at home with a pair of shutouts over the Rangers. New Jersey embraced its 11-forwards, seven-defensemen lineup in Game 3 and has been extremely comfortable playing in front of Schmid at home in the playoffs.
The odds of a Devils moneyline win aren’t great, since -155 produces just a $0.64 profit per dollar wagered, especially if you consider the fact that they have dominated at home of late. Each of New Jersey’s past three home wins have come by four goals.
I don’t think the Devils will win by four against the Canes on Tuesday, but take New Jersey to knot the series with a multi-goal win as our NHL bet of the day.
Over 5.5 Goals (-110) • DraftKings Sportsbook
WAGER: 1 Unit
The Over is 3-0 in this series, and there have been at least six goals in five of the teams’ seven meetings this season. Both sides seem to have a goaltending problem. Andersen was pulled, and I could make the case that Vaněček deserved to be.
The Devils have scored four-plus goals in three straight home games, and they don’t seem capable of shutting out the Hurricanes, especially if they keep giving up short-handed goals — Carolina has seven man-down goals in seven games against New Jersey.
This series has to tighten up, and Game 4 is the perfect time for that to happen after the free-wheeling, anything-goes Game 3, which was like something from the 1980s. But given the way these teams are scoring, the Over is the only play.
Hurricanes vs Devils Game 3 Preview
The Carolina Hurricanes will try to send the New Jersey Devils to the brink of elimination in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference second round Sunday.
The Hurricanes rolled for the second straight game, claiming a 6-1 win in Game 2 on Friday. Jesperi Kotkaniemi scored twice, Jordan Martinook had a goal and an assist, and Jack Drury had two helpers.
Miles Wood scored New Jersey’s only goal, and Akira Schmid was pulled for the second straight game. The Devils trail 2-0 in a series for the fourth straight time dating back to 2012, including each of their two playoff series this year.
Here’s a look at the Game 3 odds for Carolina vs New Jersey.
Hurricanes vs Devils Game 3 Odds
Hockey betting info used for these best bets was current as of Saturday, May 6, at 11 a.m. ET and was found at DraftKings Sportsbook.
- Moneyline: Devils (-135) • Hurricanes (+115)
- Puck Line: Devils -1.5 (+195) • Hurricanes +1.5 (-230)
- Total Goals Scored: Over 5.5 (+105) • Under 5.5 (-125)
Hurricanes vs Devils Game 3 Prediction
Devils 3, Hurricanes 1
After being outscored 10-2 by the Rangers in the first two games of that series, the Devils have now been blitzed 11-2 while falling behind 2-0 to the Hurricanes. New Jersey has simply had no answer for Carolina’s swarming forecheck, and the Canes’ offensive depth is producing in a big way.
Still, the Devils have been excellent at home, especially with Schmid in goal. He has yet to allow a goal at Prudential Center in two postseason starts and boasts a home shutout streak of 129:47 dating back to March 16.
The Hurricanes have been unstoppable at home over the past two postseasons, boasting an 11-2 record. Despite going 2-1 and clinching their first-round series on Long Island, the Canes have been a bit spotty on the road, going just 2-7 away from PNC Arena in the playoffs since 2022.
The Devils have never been swept in a playoff series, but the closest they came was against the Hurricanes in the second round in 2006 when Carolina built a 3-0 advantage before winning in five games. I still think this series could be competitive — New Jersey roared back with three straight wins after falling behind 2-0 against the Rangers — and if they want to replicate that, the Devils will need to win Game 3.
Hurricanes vs Devils Game 3 Best Bets
Devils (-135) • DraftKings Sportsbook
WAGER: 1 Unit
After being outscored 10-2 in their first two home postseason games, the Devils really settled into the home environment. New Jersey is on an 8-0 run at Prudential Center, playing flawlessly in Games 5 and 7 against New York.
Carolina could prove a unique challenge to New York. The Rangers let the Devils back in the series with a tentative Game 3 at home.
But the Hurricanes have a track record of letting opponents back into playoff series — they are 7-15 in playoff road games, not including the bubble, under coach Rod Brind’Amour and have dropped four straight road Game 3s dating back to 2021.
New Jersey is probably too good to get swept. Take the Devils to get back into the series as my NHL bet of the day.
Under 5.5 Goals (-125) • DraftKings Sportsbook
WAGER: 1 Unit
The Under is 0-2 in this series, thanks to the suddenly red-hot Carolina offense, but the Devils have been outscored 26-6 in their five losses this postseason and have outscored their opposition 13-2 in their four wins.
Simply put, if you think, as I do, the Devils will win Game 3, the Under is the play.
Hurricanes vs Devils Game 2 Preview
The Carolina Hurricanes will try to take a commanding series lead over the New Jersey Devils in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference second round.
Carolina claimed a painless 5-1 win in Game 1 where five different players scored, and Jordan Martinook, Jesper Fast, and Jordan Staal each posted two points. The Hurricanes have led 2-0 in three consecutive series.
Nathan Bastian scored New Jersey’s only goal, and rookie goalie Akira Schmid stopped eight of 11 shots before he was pulled for Vítek Vaněček early in the second period.
Here’s a look at Game 2 of Carolina vs New Jersey.
Hurricanes vs Devils Game 2 Odds
Hockey betting info used for these best bets was current as of Tuesday, May 4, at 10 a.m. ET and was found at DraftKings Sportsbook.
- Moneyline: Hurricanes (-115) • Devils (-105)
- Puck Line: Hurricanes -1.5 (+225) • Devils +1.5 (-265)
- Total Goals Scored: Over 5.5 (+115) • Under 5.5 (-135)
Hurricanes vs Devils Game 2 Prediction
Devils 3, Hurricanes 2
The Devils paid the penalty for not closing out the rival Rangers in Game 1. They looked sluggish and slow early, and the well-rested Hurricanes, who had three days off before Game 1, swarmed, building a 3-0 advantage.
New Jersey got its legs under it in the second period and tilted the ice the rest of the game, outshooting Carolina 17-13 over the final 40 minutes, but by then it was too late.
Despite Carolina’s home-ice dominance and success in Game 2s, I wouldn’t expect a second straight slow start from the Devils on Friday. Schmid should be back in goal, and the Devils have been one of the game’s elite road teams all season then went 2-1 away from Newark in their first-round series.
Hurricanes vs Devils Game 2 Best Bets
Devils (-105) • DraftKings Sportsbook
WAGER: 1 Unit
The Devils have been outscored 20-5 in their four playoff losses — with three 5-1 defeats — but have surrendered only two goals in their four postseason wins. If that trend continues, we should know pretty early whether New Jersey will win or lose.
The Devils couldn’t possibly play worse in the first period, producing just one shot and 0.06 Expected Goals — the Hurricanes had a 96.4 Expected Goals percentage in the first, per Natural Stat Trick. Devils coach Lindy Ruff will likely make adjustments to help his team navigate the neutral zone and get offensive-zone pressure from the outset.
New Jersey won the second-most road games (28) and was tied for the second-best points percentage (.732) with Vegas during the regular season. Given how competitive this series should be, all signs point to a Devils win in Game 2.
Take New Jersey to knot the series as the NHL bet of the day.
Under 5.5 Goals (-135) • DraftKings Sportsbook
WAGER: 1 Unit
The Game 1 Under died due to a cruel beat on Fast’s empty-net goal that made it 5-1.
New Jersey should be much improved in Game 2, but the Hurricanes are still an exceptional defensive team. They have surrendered just 16 goals in eight games and are giving up just 27.4 shots per game in the playoffs, the second-best mark behind New Jersey.
There’s not a lot of room for the offensively gifted teams to create, which means the team that wins is likely the first to three goals — if not, two. That was the case in Game 1, and look for it to repeat in Game 2.
Hurricanes vs Devils Game 1 Preview
Two of the NHL’s fastest teams will square off when the Carolina Hurricanes host the New Jersey Devils in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference second round on Wednesday at PNC Arena.
The Devils and Canes each advanced by knocking off a Metropolitan Division rival from New York. Carolina held off Ilya Sorokin and the upstart Islanders in six games, and New Jersey defeated the rival Rangers in seven in the first round.
Now the Devils and Hurricanes, who have met four times in the playoffs most recently in 2009, will renew acquaintances.
Let’s look at the Game 1 odds for New Jersey vs Carolina.
Hurricanes vs Devils Game 1 Odds
Hockey betting info used for these best bets was current as of Tuesday, May 2, at 1 p.m. ET and was found at DraftKings Sportsbook.
- Moneyline: Hurricanes (-120) • Devils (+100)
- Puck Line: Hurricanes -1.5 (+220) • Devils +1.5 (-260)
- Total Goals Scored: Over 5.5 (+110) • Under 5.5 (-130)
Hurricanes vs Devils Game 1 Prediction
Hurricanes 3, Devils 2
The Devils’ inability to close out the Rangers in six games could come back to haunt them early. New Jersey, which lost to New York 5-2 in Game 6 before closing out the Rangers in Game 7, will only have a travel day between games, whereas the Canes have been off since eliminating the Isles on Friday.
New Jersey also isn’t likely to have star forward Timo Meier after he was knocked out of Game 7 by a vicious and questionable hit by Rangers captain Jacob Trouba. That’s one fewer offensive weapon for New Jersey against Carolina, which allowed the third-fewest goals per game (2.46) on home ice this season.
I have doubts about Carolina’s ability to score enough in this series. But the Hurricanes should build an early cushion and then hold on.
Hurricanes vs Devils Game 1 Best Bets
Hurricanes (-120) • DraftKings Sportsbook
WAGER: 1 Unit
If Carolina doesn’t win Game 1, it’ll be in big trouble. The Hurricanes should have a bonafide advantage due to rest and playing at home, where it is 9-2 over the past two postseasons.
The inexperienced Devils looked awestruck in Game 1 against the Rangers before storming back to win the series. I don’t think they’ll be as intimidated by Carolina, but I do think the Hurricanes will swarm the Devils early and stymie any comeback attempts late.
Take Carolina to win Game 1 as the NHL bet of the day.
Under 5.5 Goals (-130) • DraftKings Sportsbook
WAGER: 1 Unit
These are two elite defensive teams, and this is the playoffs. Carolina allowed the second-fewest goals against in the NHL during the regular season (213) and gave up just 15 in six games against the Islanders.
The Devils looked much more comfortable playing in front of rookie goalie Akira Schmid, who allowed just seven goals and had two shutouts in five games against the Rangers.
Carolina tied for the most one-goal wins (25) in the regular season then won three of its four games against the Islanders by a single goal. The Devils allowed only 11 empty-net goals during the regular season.
Thus, the Under is the pick.
The New Jersey Devils and Carolina Hurricanes will renew their unfriendly rivalry in the Eastern Conference second round.
Carolina and New Jersey met four times in a nine-season span between 2001-09, and the Hurricanes won three times, most recently in a legendary seven-game series in 2009. The winner of the series advanced to the Cup Final three times, including in 2006 where Carolina won its lone championship.
The Canes are back in the second round for the third straight season and fourth time in five. The Devils advanced for the first time in 11 years and are eyeing their first conference-final berth since 2012.
Here’s a look at the Carolina vs New Jersey series odds.
Hurricanes vs Devils Series Odds
NHL odds used for these best bets are current as of Tuesday, May 2, at noon ET and were found at DraftKings Sportsbook.
- To Win Series: Devils (-130) • Hurricanes (+110)
The Devils and Hurricanes each won two of their four meetings, with Carolina eking out New Jersey for the Metropolitan Division title and home-ice advantage with a 5-4 shootout win in Newark on New Year’s Day.
But the Hurricanes are the underdog due to their spotty offense, which finished 15th in goals scored. Carolina will be down three top-six forwards, Max Pacioretty, Andrei Svechnikov, and Teuvo Teräväinen, the latter of whom broke his hand in Carolina’s series win over the Islanders.
The Devils are rolling with four wins in their past five games, led by Jack Hughes, who had three goals and five points in seven games, and rookie goalie Akira Schmid. Schmid leads the all qualifying goalies with a .951 save percentage, 1.38 goals-against average, and two shutouts in the playoffs.
Hurricanes vs Devils Series Prediction
Devils Win In 6 Games
I’ve long been fond of the Hurricanes, especially their defense. But it’s hard to imagine them keeping up in this series, especially without Svechnikov, who was fourth on the team in points before tearing his ACL in March.
The Devils may not have star midseason acquisition Timo Meier, who left Game 7 after a devastating and controversial hit from Rangers captain Jacob Trouba. But Meier didn’t have a point against the Rangers, though he did affect play with some peskiness, and New Jersey’s offense fared OK thanks to off-season acquisition Erik Haula‘s four goals and six points.
This should be an electric series, speed-wise, and both sides have questions in goal. But Carolina’s offense fell flat in the second round last year, and I suspect it’ll do so again this season.
Hurricanes vs Devils Series Best Bets
Devils Win Series (-130) • DraftKings Sportsbook
WAGER: 1 Unit
The Hurricanes beat the Devils twice during their 11-game win streak in December and used a 15-0-2 stretch to get to the top of the Metro. But Carolina hasn’t been the same team since, going just 13-12 in its final 25 games before holding off the Islanders in six games in the first round.
But New Jersey is far superior to the Isles, especially in the speed and skill department. Both teams like to play a possession game, and the Hurricanes are great at keeping the puck out of their net, but I just don’t think they will score enough to beat the Devils.
