The New Jersey Devils are coming off an emotional Game 7 victory on home ice against the New York Rangers. They couldn’t celebrate the win for too long though, as they shift their focus to the Carolina Hurricanes and head to Raleigh for Round 2.
The Hurricanes finished off the New York Islanders in six games, giving them a couple of days of extra rest prior to Game 1, which sparks the argument that everyone loves to discuss — rest against rust.
I’m not saying the Canes are rusty, but they definitely have the rest advantage. Not many people expected the Devils to get here, but they’re here now and they’re legit.
Find out my best bet in our free NHL picks and predictions for Hurricanes vs. Devils on May 3.
Devils vs Hurricanes Game 1 odds
Devils vs Hurricanes series odds
| Team | To win | Win in 4 | Win in 5 | Win in 6 | Win in 7 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Devils | -130 | +900 | +700 | +400 | +475 |
| Hurricanes | +110 | +1,500 | +700 | +600 | +475 |
Odds courtesy of DraftKings as of May 3.
Devils vs Hurricanes Game 1 predictions
The New Jersey Devils are coming into Game 1 of this second round series winning four out of their last five games and feeling red-hot.
Akira Schmid has become a household name across the league and a Conn Smythe odds favorite after stepping in for Vitek Vanecek and sparking the Devils' comeback in the first round. Schmid skated to a 4-1 record with a .951 SV% and a 1.38 GAA. He also had a +4.5 goals saved above expected mark, second-best in the NHL.
After starting Antti Raanta for the first five games against the New York Islanders, the Carolina Hurricanes decided to turn to Frederik Andersen in Game 6. Andersen played a phenomenal game, earning his opportunity to get the nod in Game 1 of this series. The starting goalies haven’t been confirmed just yet, but there is a strong inkling that it will be Schmid against Andersen.
These two teams have a somewhat similar style. Their biggest threats are their speed and 5-on-5 play. They are the second and third-best teams in the playoffs at expected goals at even strength (Devils second, Hurricanes third).
Just like the first round, the Devils are playing with house money. The Hurricanes are the favorite with all of the pressure to continue throughout the playoffs. To me, that falls in favor of this young and hungry Devils group.
I've loved what I’ve seen from New Jersey in the last three games, and I think the Devils stay hot and steal Game 1.
My best bet: Devils moneyline (+100 at BetMGM)
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Devils vs Hurricanes Game 1 moneyline analysis
This series is going to have a ton of back-and-forth action since both teams have some high-flying talented forwards. Some players I am looking at to make an impact in this series are Jack Hughes and Erik Haula for New Jersey, and Sebastian Aho and Martin Necas for Carolina.
Haula was the X-factor in the first round for the Devils, leading the team in points with four goals and two assists. Aho did what he does best for the Canes in Round 1, driving the offense while also scoring four goals and tallying three assists.
The difference in this series is going to be the depth scoring, which favors the Devils in my opinion.
The Devils had four players on their team with 70 or more points in the regular season, while the Hurricanes only had one. New Jersey also had six players with 20 or more goals, and the Hurricanes had just three.
Top-to-bottom, the Devils are a better team than Carolina, and I think it will show in this series.
Devils vs Hurricanes Game 1 Over/Under analysis
The Devils and Hurricanes are two strong defensive teams, and the goaltenders have performed thus far in the playoffs. I mentioned Schmid before, but Frederik Andersen — in the one game he played — skated to a .971 SV% and a 0.91 GAA.
The Devils and Hurricanes are two of the Top 5 defensive teams in the playoffs. New Jersey is second, only allowing 2.43 goals against. The Canes are fourth, allowing 2.50 goals against. They also happen to be two of the Top 5 teams on the penalty kill as well, with the Canes owning the best percentage in hockey at 94.4%, and Devils in fifth at 82.1%.
This is going to be a more defensive than offensive series. I like the Under.
Devils vs Hurricanes betting trend to know
The Devils have won four out of their last five games overall. Find more NHL betting trends for Devils vs. Hurricanes.
Devils vs Hurricanes Game 1 game info
| Location: | PNC Arena, Raleigh, NC |
| Date: | Wednesday, May 3, 2023 |
| Puck drop: | 7:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | ESPN |
