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Devils vs. Hurricanes series odds and prediction

By Iain MacMillan

Dec 20, 2022; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Brent Burns (8) and New Jersey Devils left wing Miles Wood (44) chase after the play during the second period at PNC Arena. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 20, 2022; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Brent Burns (8) and New Jersey Devils left wing Miles Wood (44) chase after the play during the second period at PNC Arena. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports /
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The New Jersey Devils have won the Battle of the Hudson, defeating the New York Rangers in seven games to advance to the second round of the postseason.

Now, they’ll take on the winners of the Metropolitan Division, the Carolina Hurricanes.

The two teams split their season series, with the Hurricanes winning the first two meetings but the Devils getting their revenge by winning the last two. Their latest game took place on March 12th and the Devils grabbed the 3-0 victory at home.

So, how will the series shake out? Let’s find out what the oddsmakers think.

Devils vs. Hurricanes series odds

Devils vs. Hurricanes series prediction

If these two teams had met in the first round of the NHL Playoffs and the odds were the same as they’re presented today, I wouldn’t hesitate firing on the Hurricanes.

But, things have happened in the first round that now make me lean toward the Devils advancing to the Eastern Conference Final.

The first of two things that have changed my opinion is the injury to Teuvo Teravainen of the Hurricanes. Carolina is already without Max Pacioretty and Andrei Svechnikov, so now with Tervaienen breaking his hand during the opening round against the New York Islanders, the Hurricanes are now without their top three wingers heading into an extremely difficult series with the Devils.

The other major change of events is the fact the Devils have found their goaltender. New Jersey was facing an 0-2 series deficit to the Rangers and then turned to goalie, Akira Schmid. Since then, the Devils went 4-1 to close out the series in seven games.

Schmid had an astounding save percentage of .951, which includes two shutouts, in his five starts in the opening series. This wasn’t a fluke either, Schmid racked up a save percentage of .922 in 18 regular season games.

With the Hurricanes limping into the second round and the Devils finding a goalie that can carry them on a deep playoff run, I’ll back New Jersey to get the job done and advance to the Eastern Conference Final.

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Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.