The Carolina Hurricanes are playing with a steely determination this season, with a large chunk of fans now starting to believe in a repeat of its 2005-2006 feat of lifting the coveted Stanley Cup for the second time. Next up for the Hurricanes are the New Jersey Devils, a team that can certainly hurt any team at home. However, you can expect the Hurricanes to score a third straight victory over the Devils to make it 3-0 for the season.
Prediction for Carolina Hurricanes v New Jersey Devils: Hurricanes to trump over the Devils 3-1.
Season form, schedule & where to watch Carolina Hurricanes vs New Jersey Devils
- The Hurricanes (37-19-6) take on the New Jersey Devils (31-28-4) at the Prudential Center, Newark, New Jersey at 12:30 PM ET on Saturday.
You can catch the live action on ESPN+, MSGSN, and BSSO.
Recent form & stats
Following an emphatic triumph over the Montreal Canadiens, the Hurricanes sail into this confrontation with winds strongly in their favor. Their offense, a perfect synthesis of might and elegance, has consistently delivered, bolstered by contributions across all lines. Yet, it’s in Frederik Andersen’s territory where the narrative intensifies. Andersen has emerged as a fortress of reliability; as the stakes escalate, his role becomes ever more critical, promising to underpin the Hurricanes’ pursuit of victory with his steadfast presence.
The Hurricanes have played a very promising season so far, averaging an impressive 3.29 goals a game while conceding an average of 2.73 and a power play rate of 26.4%. Sebastian Aho tops the charts for the most goals (24) as well as assists (41). While his current form may not be dazzling, Aho has is growing back into form with at least a goal or assist in each of his last three matches.
Contrastingly, the Devils find themselves on the precipice of playoff viability, rendering each matchup a critical juncture. Their recent victory over the St. Louis Blues was more than a mere win; it was a bold assertion of their intentions. With Jack Hughes steering the charge, their offense combines explosiveness with precision, poised to ignite at any moment. However, the spotlight equally scrutinizes Mackenzie Blackwood’s domain, where his health and stability are imperative for thwarting the Hurricanes’ ambitions.
The Devils are averaging 3.32 goals while conceding an average of 3.48 goals per game with a power play success rate of 22.9%. Jesper Bratt tops the goal charts with 22, while Hughes sits just below him with 21. While Bratt has more goals to his name, Hughes trumps him with a better PPG (points per game) with 1.28 to Bratt’s 1.02.
Hughes’ recent form has been excellent, having scored or assisted in all but one of Devils’ last 5 matches.
Carolina Hurricanes vs New Jersey Devils Head-to-Head
Historically, the New Jersey Devils have been the better team in this rivalry with the Carolina Hurricanes. The Hurricanes have played the Devils 186 times, winning 82 of them and the Devils winning 92.
The Hurricanes have won 4 of the last 5 matches against the Devils, giving us a good insight into who has been the dominant team in recent times. The Devils last got the better of the Hurricanes 8-4 last season on May 8, 2023.
The duel between the goalies may well dictate the outcome, with both sides depending on their netminders for pivotal saves. While special teams could emerge as a deciding factor, the Hurricanes boast a slight advantage in penalty killing. Nonetheless, the Devils’ leverage of their home crowd’s fervor adds a fascinating dynamic to the equation.
Who do you think will win this riveting clash? Drop your comment below with your predictions.
