NFL Previews 
MLB Previews 
NBA Previews 
NHL Previews 
Soccer Previews 
Prediction 
Odds 
Last Recap 
Game Picks 
Top Handicapper 
Hurricanes vs Devils Game 5: Carolina on the Verge of Moving On
The Carolina Hurricanes are one win away from advancing to the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs—and they’ve got the momentum, the firepower, and home ice to do it.
Leading 3-1 in their first-round series against the New Jersey Devils, the Canes will try to close things out in Game 5 Tuesday night in Raleigh. After a hat trick performance by Andrei Svechnikov in Game 4, the Hurricanes appear to be clicking at just the right time.
For Carolina fans? This is starting to feel like a familiar and promising story.
Svechnikov Rediscovers His Spark in the Playoffs
Andrei Svechnikov had a quiet regular season by his standards. With just 48 points in 72 games (20 goals, 28 assists), it was his lowest output since the 2020–21 season. His 0.67 points per game was the second-lowest of his career.
But now? He’s on fire.
Svechnikov has four goals and five points in four playoff games—including that Game 4 hat trick that helped Carolina take full control of the series. He’s matched his career-high in playoff goals already, and he’s only six points shy of his postseason best from last spring.
“It was a hard season for me, but right now, the playoff time is my time,” Svechnikov said. “I love this time of year.”
This shift in gear is reminiscent of the type of surge you’d expect from veterans during NHL Central Division or Metropolitan Division grinds.
Hurricanes Continue Their Recent Playoff Dominance
If Carolina finishes the job Tuesday, it will mark their fifth straight second-round appearance and sixth in seven years. That’s consistency, and it places them among the NHL’s modern elite—alongside franchises from the NHL Atlantic Division and Pacific Division.
Coach Rod Brind’Amour’s team doesn’t just win—they smother. With elite puck control, physical forechecking, and relentless shot pressure, they’ve kept the Devils frustrated for most of the series.
But one question remains: Will Frederik Andersen be between the pipes for Game 5?
Goalie Watch: Andersen’s Status Uncertain, Kochetkov Ready
Frederik Andersen left Game 4 in the second period after Timo Meier crashed into him in front of the net. No update was provided Monday, which puts backup Pyotr Kochetkov in the spotlight.
Kochetkov came in cold and allowed just one goal on 15 shots. It was his first game action since April 16, and Brind’Amour liked what he saw.
“It was a little dicey at the start,” the coach said. “But he didn’t look shaky. That, to me, is the key.”
If Andersen can’t go, Kochetkov will be tasked with helping the Canes clinch on home ice—something Stanley Cup contenders must handle with poise.
Devils Facing Major Blue Line Woes
New Jersey has their backs against the wall—and their defensive unit is in tatters.
Luke Hughes, Brenden Dillon, and Johnathan Kovacevic are all out with injuries. Hughes and Dillon haven’t played since Game 1, and Kovacevic went down early in Game 3.
Coach Sheldon Keefe admitted the impact is felt across the board.
“Those guys make you deeper,” he said. “But as we showed in Game 3, it’s possible to overcome that.”
That Game 3 victory came in overtime, where the Devils leaned on tight checking and solid goaltending. But Game 4 was a different story—the Hurricanes dominated the tempo, puck possession, and shot quality.
Special Teams Misfire: Devils’ Power Play Goes Cold
One of the biggest surprises this series has been the Devils’ power-play collapse. During the regular season, New Jersey was electric with the man advantage—ranking third in the NHL at 28.2%.
In the playoffs? They’re 0-for-12 with just 14 total shots.
That kind of drop-off has changed the entire series dynamic.
“Hasn’t changed our confidence,” said forward Jesper Bratt. “We just need to execute better.”
If the Devils are going to survive Game 5, it starts with improving special teams. If not, they’ll be heading home—for good.
Your Play-by-Play Starts Here
Register Now!
Keys to Victory for Both Sides
Carolina Hurricanes:
- Set the tone with physical forechecking
- Get another strong game from Svechnikov
- Control faceoffs to dominate puck possession
- Don’t let the goalie situation become a distraction
- Close the series before momentum flips
New Jersey Devils:
- Fix the power play—immediately
- Get quality minutes from depth defensemen
- Limit second-chance opportunities in front of the net
- Create traffic against Kochetkov if Andersen is out
- Strike early to quiet the home crowd
Looking to back a winner? Compare your picks using the NHL Expert Betting Guide and NHL Picks Page.
Game 5 Stat Preview
| Category | Hurricanes | Devils |
|---|---|---|
| Series Score | 3-1 | 1-3 |
| Top Scorer (Game 4) | Svechnikov (Hat Trick) | Jack Hughes (1 Goal) |
| Power Play Conversion (Series) | 18.7% | 0.0% (0-for-12) |
| Starting Goalie (Likely) | Kochetkov (TBD) | Schmid |
| Defensive Injuries | None | Hughes, Dillon, Kovacevic |
| Home Ice Advantage | Yes | No |
Related NHL Reads
- NHL Odds & Scores
- NHL Teams Overview
- NHL Metropolitan Division Outlook
- NHL Atlantic Division Picks
- NHL Pacific Division Predictions
- Stanley Cup Favorites
FAQs
When is Hurricanes vs Devils Game 5?
Tuesday night at PNC Arena in Raleigh, North Carolina.
What is the series score?
Carolina leads 3-1 in the best-of-seven series.
Will Frederik Andersen play in Game 5?
His status is uncertain after suffering an injury in Game 4. Pyotr Kochetkov may start.
Who has been the Hurricanes’ top performer?
Andrei Svechnikov with four goals, including a hat trick in Game 4.
What’s wrong with New Jersey’s power play?
They’re 0-for-12 in the series after being top 3 in the NHL during the regular season.
Can the Devils still win the series?
Yes, but they’ll need to win three straight games, including two on the road.
