The New Jersey Devils and Carolina Hurricanes are set to face off in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference First Round playoff series on April 20, 2025, at Lenovo Center in Raleigh. This matchup marks the sixth time these teams have met in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, with Carolina winning the last four series since 2001.
Team Overview & Season Performance
Carolina Hurricanes (47-29-5, 99 points, No. 2 Seed)
- The Hurricanes finished second in the Metropolitan Division, securing home-ice advantage.
- Sebastian Aho led the team with 71 points, followed by Seth Jarvis (63 points) and Andrei Svechnikov (46 points).
- Carolina ranks first in the NHL in takeaways (452) and is tied for eighth in goals per game (3.22).
- The Hurricanes won the season series 2-2, with both teams winning their home games.
New Jersey Devils (42-33-7, 91 points, No. 3 Seed)
- The Devils struggled in the second half of the season, finishing fourth-worst in the Eastern Conference in points percentage since January.
- Jesper Bratt led the team with 88 points, while Nico Hischier (66 points) and Timo Meier (49 points) provided offensive depth.
- Jack Hughes is out for the remainder of the season after undergoing shoulder surgery on March 5.
- New Jersey’s biggest change this postseason is in goal, with Jacob Markstrom taking over as the starter.
Key Matchups & X-Factors
Sebastian Aho vs. Devils’ Defense
- Aho has been Carolina’s most consistent offensive weapon, leading the team in points.
- The Devils will rely on Brenden Dillon and Jonas Siegenthaler to contain him.
Jacob Markstrom vs. Hurricanes’ Offense
- Markstrom has been solid against Carolina this season, posting a 2-1 record with a .916 save percentage.
- If he can hold off the Hurricanes’ attack, New Jersey has a chance to steal Game 1.
Special Teams Battle
- Carolina’s penalty kill ranks among the best in the NHL, while New Jersey has struggled on the power play.
- If the Hurricanes can capitalize on special teams, they’ll have a significant advantage.
Game Odds
New Jersey Devils 5.5
Carolina Hurricanes – 218
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Saturday, April 19, 2025
