2025-04-27 Carolina at New Jersey Matchup Preview

Team Overview: Carolina Hurricanes

The Carolina Hurricanes enter this playoff matchup as a team built on strong defensive principles and opportunistic scoring. Their regular season record of 47 wins, 30 losses, and 5 overtime losses demonstrates a consistent ability to secure points. Carolina's defensive structure is particularly noteworthy, limiting opponents to an average of 24.93 shots against per game, making them one of the stingiest teams in the league. Offensively, the Hurricanes generate 31.68 shots for per game, indicating a solid forechecking presence and ability to maintain possession. Their power play conversion rate is 18.7 percent, so they will need to find other ways to generate offense in this game.

Team Overview: New Jersey Devils

The New Jersey Devils boast a regular season record of 42 wins, 33 losses, and 7 overtime losses, showcasing their capability to compete at a high level. Their offensive strength is headlined by a power play percentage of 28.24, demonstrating their prowess with the man advantage. The Devils' offense produces 28.10 shots for per game and while their defensive numbers show that they allow 26.35 shots against per game, indicating a style of play that can be more open and reliant on offensive output.

Offensive Matchup

The Hurricanes' offensive approach will be tested against the New Jersey Devils' penalty kill. Carolina's shots for per game are generated from strong possession, and they will need to sustain that against the Devils if they wish to capitalize. New Jersey's ability to limit high-quality chances will be pivotal in neutralizing Carolina's offensive pressure. Conversely, New Jersey’s potent power play, converting at 28.24 percent, poses a significant threat to Carolina’s defense. The Hurricanes’ ability to stay disciplined and limit penalties will be crucial. Carolina’s defense will have to limit shots against and prevent New Jersey from setting up in the offensive zone.

Defensive Matchup

Carolina’s defense, allowing only 24.93 shots against per game, will aim to stifle New Jersey's offensive production. New Jersey's shots for per game indicates that they need to be efficient on offense to capitalize, and the Hurricanes are built to prevent that style of play. For New Jersey, limiting Carolina’s offensive opportunities and disrupting their forecheck will be key to controlling the game's tempo. New Jersey will need to force turnovers and transition quickly to exploit any defensive lapses by the Hurricanes.

Special Teams Battle

The special teams matchup heavily favors the New Jersey Devils, given their strong power play, which scores over 28 percent of the time. Carolina's penalty kill must be disciplined and effective in preventing the Devils from capitalizing on man-advantage opportunities. Conversely, Carolina's power play will need to improve its execution against New Jersey's penalty kill if they expect to have a chance to score. This aspect of the game could easily swing the momentum and outcome in either team's favor.

Intangibles and Prediction

Given the defensive strengths of Carolina and the offensive firepower of New Jersey, this game is likely to be a tight-checking affair. New Jersey's ability to capitalize on the power play gives them a slight edge. Look for the Devils to exploit any defensive breakdowns by the Hurricanes and leverage their special teams advantage. Carolina will need to play a disciplined, physical game and rely on their defensive structure to contain New Jersey's attack. Ultimately, the Devils' offensive talent should prevail in a close, low-scoring contest.

Predicted Score

Carolina: 2, New Jersey: 3