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New Jersey Devils vs Carolina Hurricanes Betting Preview
The New Jersey Devils and Carolina Hurricanes open their 2025-26 NHL seasons Thursday night at the Lenovo Center in Raleigh, North Carolina. This is no ordinary opener — it’s a rematch of last season’s playoff clash, where the Hurricanes eliminated the Devils in five games. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:30 PM ET on ESPN+.
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Carolina enters as the favorite at -157 on the moneyline, while New Jersey sits at +133. The puck line lists the Devils -1.5 (-197) and the Hurricanes +1.5 (+161). The total is 5.5 goals, with the over at -123 and under at +100.
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Line Movement and Odds
Carolina opened around -150 and has seen steady support, rising slightly to -157 as bettors back the home team. About 63% of tickets and 67% of handle are on the Hurricanes, while early sharp money has shown some interest in the under 5.5 given both teams’ structured play styles.
New Jersey enters its first full season under Sheldon Keefe, looking to build on a 42-33-7 campaign that ended in a disappointing first-round exit. Carolina, led by Rod Brind’Amour, reached the Eastern Conference Finals before falling to the eventual champion Florida Panthers.
“You’ve got to be dialed in the whole time,” said Brind’Amour. “That’s the challenge — staying focused and being the best every day.”
Matchup Breakdown
New Jersey Devils Outlook
The Devils bring back their core scoring group led by Jesper Bratt (88 points), Jack Hughes (70), and Nico Hischier (69). Their offense ranked top-10 in goals per game last year, but their defensive play and penalty kill must tighten up if they want to advance further in 2026. New addition Brett Pesce, facing his former club, adds experience on the blue line and should immediately improve the top four. In net, Jacob Markstrom (4 shutouts last season) brings veteran stability. Rookie winger Arseny Gritsyuk is expected to make his NHL debut.
Carolina Hurricanes Outlook
The Hurricanes are once again among the league’s elite defensive teams, anchored by Jaccob Slavin, Sebastian Aho (74 points), and Seth Jarvis (32 goals). Goaltenders Frederik Andersen and Pyotr Kochetkov return as one of the NHL’s best tandems. Offseason additions Nikolaj Ehlers (24 goals, 39 assists with Winnipeg) and K’Andre Miller bring added offensive versatility. Carolina will test its chemistry early, especially as Brind’Amour experiments with new pairings. The Canes went 29-11-1 at home last season and will look to pick up where they left off.
Injuries and Conditions
| New Jersey Devils | Carolina Hurricanes |
|---|---|
| D Brett Pesce – Probable (return from injury) | D Jalen Chatfield – Questionable (lower body) |
| F Erik Haula – Day-to-day (illness) | D K’Andre Miller – Probable (minor injury) |
| F Arseny Gritsyuk – Expected NHL debut | G Frederik Andersen – Starting |
| G Jacob Markstrom – Starting | F Sebastian Aho – Healthy |
| New Jersey Devils Injury Report | Carolina Hurricanes Injury Report |
Weather: Indoors at Lenovo Center – no weather impact.
Best Bets and Prediction
The Hurricanes’ structured defense and continuity at home give them a slight edge, though New Jersey’s top-six depth and goaltending could make this opener tight. Expect a disciplined, playoff-style pace with limited power-play chances. Carolina’s home ice and special teams advantage tilt the outcome their way in a low-scoring matchup.
Pick: Hurricanes Moneyline (-157)
Projected Final Score: Hurricanes 3, Devils 2
Lean: Under 5.5 (+100)
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| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Best Bet | Hurricanes ML (-157) |
| Confidence Rating | ★★★★☆ |
| Projected Score | Hurricanes 3, Devils 2 |
| Total Lean | Under 5.5 (+100) |
| Market Split | 63% bets Hurricanes, 67% money Hurricanes |
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