New Jersey (0-1) at Carolina (1-0)
- When: Apr 22 2025, 6:00 PM
- Where: Lenovo Center, Raleigh, NC, USA
- TV: ESPN
Devils vs. Hurricanes NHL Playoffs Betting Preview & Prediction
Moneyline Favorite: Carolina -250 | Total: 5.5
The Carolina Hurricanes are set as heavy home favorites (-250) with a total of 5.5 goals as they look to seize full control of their first-round playoff series against the New Jersey Devils on Tuesday night.
New Jersey Devils Betting Outlook
The Devils are in disarray heading into Game 2. Already missing star forward Jack Hughes and key defenseman Jonas Siegenthaler, New Jersey saw even more players drop in their 4-1 Game 1 loss. Brenden Dillon and Cody Glass both exited with injuries, and while Luke Hughes briefly left, he did return late.
Despite the injury setbacks, New Jersey’s struggles weren’t just health-related. They were outshot 45-24, overwhelmed during long stretches — especially in the second period where they were buried by two goals from Carolina’s Logan Stankoven. Nico Hischier netted the lone goal for the Devils late in the second to offer a glimmer of hope, but it wasn’t enough to shift momentum.
Coach Sheldon Keefe acknowledged the team’s effort was lacking and noted that playing Carolina’s high-pressure style requires complete buy-in and execution. Unless the Devils can find more offensive rhythm and elevate their physicality, this series could be over quickly.
Carolina Hurricanes Betting Outlook
Carolina came out flying in Game 1 and never looked back. The Hurricanes dominated puck possession, led by a relentless forecheck and an early strike from defenseman Jalen Chatfield. Stankoven’s two goals, including one on the power play, buried the Devils before the second intermission, while Andrei Svechnikov capped the night with an empty-netter.
Coach Rod Brind’Amour praised the full-team effort and noted the importance of the early goal in settling the pace. The Canes stuck to their system, outworking the Devils in every zone. Carolina now looks to replicate that formula — forecheck hard, create chaos in front, and keep the shot count high.
With the way Carolina’s defense and depth scoring is clicking, and considering the Devils’ mounting injuries, the Hurricanes are in prime position to cover the puckline and take a commanding 2-0 series lead.
Prediction:
Final Score: Carolina 4, New Jersey 1
Pick: Carolina ML (-250)
Lean: Carolina -1.5 (+110)
Total: Under 5.5 (-130)
The Hurricanes suffocate New Jersey again with pressure and zone time, while the Devils struggle to generate clean chances. Expect another low-scoring grind, with Carolina controlling tempo and limiting mistakes.
- NHL Odds source: MyBookie Sportsbook
