New Jersey Devils @ Carolina Hurricanes 04/20/2025
As the 2025 NHL Playoffs get underway, the spotlight turns to a high-stakes Eastern Conference showdown between the Carolina Hurricanes and the New Jersey Devils. Set for Sunday, April 20 at 3 PM ET, this opening leg of the 1/8 Finals promises intensity, grit, and no shortage of urgency from both squads.
The Hurricanes enter the postseason as the 4th seed in the East, but their recent form has been far from convincing—dropping four of their last five contests, including a wild 7-5 draw on the road against Ottawa. Meanwhile, the 7th-seeded Devils aren’t faring much better, coming off a tough 5-2 home loss to Detroit and mirroring Carolina’s recent skid with a similar 1-4 record in their last five.
Despite their stumbles down the stretch, both teams boast the firepower and playoff pedigree to turn the tide. With the margin for error razor-thin, this first leg is more than just a game—it’s a tone-setter for a series that could go the distance. Expect playoff hockey at its finest: fast, physical, and fiercely competitive.
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Our betting predictions for the match Carolina Hurricanes vs New Jersey Devils
Tip 1: Home Win for Carolina Hurricanes
Our betting prediction for this matchup strongly favors the Carolina Hurricanes to clinch victory at home. Despite their recent slide, the Hurricanes have won three of the last five meetings, including a commanding 5-2 home victory over the Devils during their last direct meeting. The recent odds reflect confidence in Carolina, set at favorable lines at BetMGM Sportsbook. Home ice advantage, coupled with their historical success against New Jersey, book a solid case for the Hurricanes gaining vital momentum in their campaign.
Tip 2: Game Totals Over 5.5 Goals
The second aspect to bet on revolves around the total goals scored in this matchup. With both teams struggling defensively lately—evident in their recent high-scoring games—taking the over on 5.5 goals appears to be a lucrative option. The odds for this bet stand at +120 with DraftKings, which is appealing given the offensive potential from both sides. Expecting a back-and-forth contest, taking the over could be the safest way to get in on the action.
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Tip 3: Home Win for Carolina Hurricanes (-1.5 Goals)
Bettors looking for a bit more risk can consider a spread bet on the Hurricanes to win by at least two goals. The odds for Carolina to emerge with a win and cover the spread at +135 on DraftKings certainly add to the excitement. With the moral support of their fans and an urgency to claim victory, the Hurricanes are more than capable of pulling this off.
Team news
Carolina Hurricanes performance check
Under the guidance of head coach Rod Brind’Amour, the Carolina Hurricanes have showcased flashes of brilliance but have struggled to find consistency. The recent flurry of losses has raised questions about their defensive play, leading to high scores against them. The pressure to adjust before their match with the Devils is palpable, and they must rally as a team to innovate their strategy and reclaim their home-ice dominance. Expect Brind’Amour to emphasize robust defensive efforts and smarter offensive plays to put his team back on the winning track.
How is the current performance of New Jersey Devils
Similarly, New Jersey’s head coach Lindy Ruff faces challenges as his Devils have battled through a concerning stretch of form. With an embarrassing home tie against the Red Wings still fresh in their minds, the Devils know that improvement is crucial. Structural changes and fostering team confidence will be pivotal components in their battle against Carolina. Players must step up to showcase resilience and adapt as necessary, particularly in execution and teamwork when they take the ice.
Statistics
Last direct match
In their last direct encounter, the Carolina Hurricanes secured a well-earned home win over the New Jersey Devils with a score of 5-2, a performance that exhibited their offensive strength.
Head-to-head last direct meetings
The Hurricanes have bested the Devils in three out of their last five matches, with no ties adding to Carolina’s historical edge. New Jersey will be eager to flip the script in this next meeting.
Performance last 5 matches
– Carolina Hurricanes: 1 win, 0 ties, 4 losses
– New Jersey Devils: 1 win, 0 ties, 4 losses
Last match results Carolina Hurricanes and New Jersey Devils
– Carolina Hurricanes: 5-7 loss against the Ottawa Senators
– New Jersey Devils: 2-5 loss against the Detroit Red Wings
Conclusion
In summary, our three betting predictions for the Carolina Hurricanes vs. New Jersey Devils matchup strongly favor Carolina. We see a potential home victory, alongside an enticing opportunity with over 5.5 goals, and a spread bet of Carolina winning by at least two goals. The time is ripe for both teams to come out swinging, and we anticipate an electrifying contest with potential betting rewards. Don’t forget to explore the best betting sites in the USA for your wagers!
