New Jersey (0-0-0) at Carolina (0-0-0)
- When: Oct 9 2025, 7:30 PM
- Where: Lenovo Center, Raleigh, NC, USA
- TV: ESPN+/Hulu
New Jersey vs Carolina NHL Preview & Pick
Moneyline: Carolina -168
Spread: Carolina -1.5 (+155)
Total: 6.0
Carolina Hurricanes Betting Outlook
The Hurricanes waste no time jumping into high-stakes hockey, opening the season with a playoff rematch against New Jersey. After knocking out the Devils in five games last spring and advancing to the Eastern Conference Finals, Carolina begins its campaign with confidence and unfinished business. Coach Rod Brind’Amour made it clear his team won’t be easing into anything, emphasizing focus, consistency, and execution from the drop of the puck.
Carolina’s offensive core remains intact, led by Sebastian Aho and Seth Jarvis, who combined for 106 points last season. With both returning, plus the addition of dynamic winger Nikolaj Ehlers and two-way defenseman K’Andre Miller, the Hurricanes look deeper and faster. Brind’Amour isn’t locking in lines yet, preferring to experiment early and build chemistry as the season unfolds.
Goaltending remains a strength, with Frederik Andersen and Pyotr Kochetkov returning as one of the most reliable tandems in the league. On defense, Jaccob Slavin continues to anchor a disciplined blue line that thrives on structure and puck control.
The Hurricanes enter the season with just two home games in the first two and a half weeks, making this opener especially important. Starting strong at PNC Arena would set the tone for another deep run.
New Jersey Devils Betting Outlook
The Devils head into Raleigh with revenge on their minds after being ousted by the Hurricanes last spring. But this is a new season and a more seasoned New Jersey team. The core of Jack Hughes, Jesper Bratt, Nico Hischier, and Timo Meier remains one of the most explosive in the Eastern Conference, combining for 280 points last year.
Coach Sheldon Keefe will also debut former Hurricane Brett Pesce, who is expected to bolster the defense after recovering from a preseason injury. Pesce’s return comes just in time for what will be his 700th career NHL game, adding a narrative twist against his old team.
The Devils are also introducing winger Arseny Gritsyuk, who will make his NHL debut. Keefe has emphasized patience with the rookie’s role, noting that development and confidence will come with time. Still, the forward group’s depth gives the Devils plenty of offensive options in their season opener.
With their first three games on the road, the Devils will need to find early chemistry and discipline. The top six can score in bunches, but defensive awareness and goaltending consistency remain the keys if they want to return to postseason contention.
NHL Prediction & Betting Angle
This season opener feels like a continuation of last spring’s rivalry. Both teams are loaded with talent, but Carolina’s balance and home-ice advantage make the difference. Expect a tight, physical contest where the Hurricanes’ structure edges out New Jersey’s speed.
Score Prediction: Hurricanes 5, Devils 2
Pick: Carolina -1.5 (+145)
Total: Over 6.0 (-103)
- NHL Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
