Welcome to the latest edition of NHL Predictions. Every day, the Last Word on Hockey team analyzes all the matchups you want to see to give you the details and key elements that could change the game. Today, we’ll be digging into the match between the Carolina Hurricanes and New Jersey Devils. Be sure to check out our other NHL Predictions as the season continues.
NHL Predictions
Carolina Hurricanes at New Jersey Devils
Time: 7:00 PM Eastern Standard Time (EST)
TV: FanDuel Sports South, MSGSN
The Carolina Hurricanes are heading to the Land of Pork Rolls for a match against the New Jersey Devils. Both teams have been battling it out for the top seat in the Metropolitan Division standings all season. During their meeting in Carolina in October, the Devils fell 6-4 as the Canes won the first of their season. The Devils’ roster features some notable former Hurricanes players, with Dougie Hamilton and recent additions Stefan Noesen and Brett Pesce. This will be Brett Pesce’s first game against the Canes, with whom he had spent his career prior to this season.
The Devils Story
To start off this set of NHL Predictions, let’s discuss the home team first. The Devils have been off to a good start this season. Despite the absences of Nathan Bastian, Curtis Lazar, and Santeri Hatakka, as well as the early season absences of Jack Hughes and Brett Pesce, they’ve climbed from a point percentage of .548% at 21 games last season to .619% at 21 games this season.
The Devils went 2-1 during their trip to the ‘Sunshine State’, managing back-to-back wins against the reigning champions of Lord Stanley’s Cup, the Florida Panthers. The first game saw a 4-1 score, while the second game was a 6-2 stomp, featuring a hat trick from Jesper Bratt. However, in their last game on the trip this past Saturday, they were shutout by the Tampa Bay Lightning.
The Hurricanes Story
The Carolina Hurricanes’ improvement has been interesting to watch this season. Notably, when compared to last season. With 21 games on the 2023-24 season and 26 points, the Canes’ save percentage was .872%. Below what was the league average. Furthermore, they were falling behind on the penalty kill (75.36%) and shooting percentage (9.9%). With 18 games on the 2024-25 season and 28 points, not only are they now well above league average in nearly all standard statistics, but they have outpaced their previous season at this point in virtually all stats.
On Wednesday, it was a relatively mellow 40 minutes against the Broad Street Bullies. The first frame saw a goal from Jalen Chatfield, his first of the season, just thirty seconds from the game’s start. The second frame saw Ryan Poehling scoring in less than three minutes from the beginning of the period. Carolina Hurricanes goalie Pyotr Kochetkov and Philadelphia Flyers goalie Ivan Fedotov both dazzled with some incredible saves throughout the game.
It was a new game in the third period as both teams went in with one goal apiece. This was when things got snazzy. Sebastian Aho, in only 616 games in the NHL, passed Ron Francis’ franchise record of most game-winning goals with the Carolina Hurricanes/Hartford Whalers as he netted a beauty of a wrister for the 58th in his career. This was soon followed by a sneaky tip-in by Canes Captain Jordan Staal, then a snapshot from Jack Roslovic only 55 seconds later. With Roslovic’s goal, his 10th of the season, he has surpassed his nine from last season in less than one quarter into the campaign.
Regarding injuries, there has been an update on Seth Jarvis, who has returned to practice, albeit in a non-contact sweater. Before the game against the Philadelphia Flyers, head coach Rod Brind’Amour mentioned to the press that there is a chance he may meet the team on the trip.
NHL Predictions featuring Carolina Hurricanes at New Jersey Devils
The New Jersey Devils have been rocking it throughout November, losing only three games so far this month. After having been shut-out by the Bolts, alongside 4 days of off-time and practices, they’ll likely be fired up for a win against their long-time rivals. Meanwhile, the Carolina Hurricanes are on their second game in a back-to-back on the road, after having a back-to-back homestand over the weekend. Rest and fatigue could factor into this game.
For your projected netminders, Jacob Markstrom is the likely choice for the Devils, which would be his 500th NHL game. As for the visiting Canes, there is a high chance that Spencer Martin will step into the crease.
For your more unusual statistics, the New Jersey hosting Carolina may actually be a slight issue for the home team. The Devils have been hell on wheels, winning nine of thirteen. However, at home they’ve had trouble heating up the ice, losing five of eight. The Carolina Hurricanes have not displayed much difference in play between home and road.
Prediction: Hurricanes win 4-3
Your Prop Bets of the Night
Tonight’s game will be at an over/under of 6.5 goals, under being the favoured choice, per bet365, . Our big return picks for the night are potential anytime goalscorers Stefan Noesen (+300) and Jackson Blake (+400). For a lower-risk wager, a point from Devils Captain Nico Hischier (-175) or speedster Martin Nečas (-240) could be interesting.
Main Photo: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports
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