Carolina Hurricanes vs New Jersey Devils Picks and Predictions April 20th 2025

Hurricanes vs Devils: Game 1 Showdown Brings New Fire to Familiar Foe

The NHL playoffs are here, and the Carolina Hurricanes are ready to reclaim their fire. After locking down second place in the Metropolitan Division weeks before the season ended, the Canes enter their first-round series against the New Jersey Devils hoping to make PNC Arena an impenetrable fortress.

And why not? The Hurricanes’ 31 home wins this season were not only a franchise record, but tied for the most in the entire league, alongside the LA Kings.

But even with the standings in their favor, a late 1-6-1 slump to end the year has raised a few eyebrows in Raleigh.

“When we got in the playoffs with seven or eight games left, I said that was a pretty big accomplishment,” said Hurricanes coach Rod Brind’Amour. “That says a lot about the group and the year we’ve had. It shows our standards are higher than in the past.”

For Carolina fans, there’s hope that home ice — a familiar strength — gives the Canes just the edge they need to shake off that slow finish.

Want to track every result live? Follow the NHL Scores & Odds Page for updated lines, totals, and team stats throughout the series.

Hurricanes Players to Watch

It’s not just the scoring that makes Sebastian Aho one of the most valuable two-way players in the league. With 29 goals and 74 points, the Canes’ top-line center drives the transition game and quarterback’s Brind’Amour’s offensive strategy.

Seth Jarvis – The Silent Killer

Jarvis quietly matched his previous season output with 67 points, playing much of the season on the second line. He’ll be critical in exploiting New Jersey’s defensive depth.

New Additions: Can Hall, Stankhoven & Jankowski Step Up?

Carolina’s trio of trade deadline pickups — Taylor Hall, Logan Stankhoven, and Mark Jankowski — combined for 22 goals down the stretch. If even one of them catches fire in the playoffs, the Canes’ offensive depth becomes deadly.

Need more insight on this lineup? Check out Carolina’s full team profile to view skater stats, goalie splits, and recent trends.

Devils Enter With Chips and Grit

Let’s not forget the Devils. Despite dealing with injuries, including the absence of Jack Hughes, they muscled their way into the playoffs for the second time in three years — and only the fourth since 2012.

First-year coach Sheldon Keefe brought his playoff pedigree over from Toronto, where he led the Maple Leafs to five straight postseason berths. Now, he’ll try to outduel Brind’Amour — a coach with equal parts intensity and experience.

Bratt, Hischier & Meier: Offensive Lifeline

No Hughes? No problem. Jesper Bratt posted 88 points this season, a career-best, while Nico Hischier and Timo Meier continue to thrive in tough matchups.

Keep an eye on Bratt especially. He had 83 points last year and is now the Devils’ top scoring option. For betting props, visit the NHL Pick Page to view predictions on point totals, goals, and more.

Jacob Markstrom: Can He Rebound?

New Jersey’s big goaltending acquisition, Jacob Markstrom, had a solid season with a 2.50 GAA and 26 wins, but struggled post-knee injury (5-7-1 in his last 13 games). Playoff pressure could magnify those issues — or bring out his best.

Injury Watch: Devils Getting Healthy, Canes Mostly Intact

• Jack Hughes (shoulder) – Out since March 2. Status for Game 1: OUT
• Dougie Hamilton – Returned for the regular-season finale. Will start Game 1
• Carolina – No major injuries reported

Want updated injury reports and matchups? Dive into the NHL Betting Guide before placing any bets or filling your DFS lineup.

Tactical Breakdown: Style Clashes Could Decide Game 1

Carolina’s playstyle is all about puck possession, cycling, and creating chaos in the crease. With one of the league’s best forechecking units, they wear down teams in their own zone. Their special teams ranked 2nd in penalty kill — a stat they’ll need to maintain.

New Jersey’s Blueprint

Speed, transition, and power play. New Jersey loves to strike fast off turnovers, and without Hughes, that responsibility shifts to Hischier and Bratt. The Devils’ power play was 14th in the league, but losing Hughes likely impacts their zone entries and half-wall puck movement.

Past Playoff History: Revenge or Repeat?

Just two years ago, these same squads met in the playoffs. The Devils got through the Rangers in Round 1, but were handled by the Hurricanes in five games in the second round.

With a slightly reshaped lineup and a new coach, the Devils are banking on a different outcome. But Carolina’s home record and deep lines make them the favorites — again.

Want to see how the odds are shaping up? Visit the Stanley Cup Odds Preview to see how both teams are ranked in the postseason futures market.

Key Matchups to Watch

What to Expect in Game 1

• Pace: Expect a tight-checking first period as both teams test systems and line matchups
• Physicality: Carolina may test Markstrom early with heavy traffic around the net
• Special Teams: The Canes will look to draw penalties, where their aggressive forecheck shines

Want to see which team leads their division? Take a peek at the latest from the NHL Metropolitan Division Odds for a deeper breakdown.

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Final Prediction: Hurricanes Hold Home Ice

Despite a rocky finish, Carolina’s deep roster and home ice advantage should carry them to a Game 1 win. If New Jersey can stay close early, they’ll have a shot, but without Hughes, they’ll need near-perfect defense.

Final Score Prediction: Hurricanes 3, Devils 2

Bookmark the NHL Team Page and the NHL Pick Page for live updates and expert betting previews all series long.