New Jersey Devils vs Carolina Hurricanes 5/3/2023 Previews, Predictions and Picks
East 2nd Round – Game 1, Series starts 5/3
The New Jersey Devils and the Carolina Hurricanes will face off in Game One of the Second Round of the playoffs. The Devils are feeling good after winning their First Round series against the New York Rangers in seven games, which marks their first Second Round appearance in over a decade. Meanwhile, the Hurricanes are looking to make it to the Eastern Conference Final for the first time since 2019, after defeating the Islanders in six games. Both teams are eager to start this series on a high note, and the stage is set for an exciting Game One. The Devils are looking to improve their offensive game after scoring only 17 goals in the First Round. While the top two lines, led by Jack Hughes, Erik Haula, and Ondrej Palat, have been performing well, the rest of the team has been struggling. Dougie Hamilton, who had an impressive 22 goals and 52 assists this season, will need to step up.
Despite the offensive struggles, the Devils’ defense has been rock solid, only allowing 17 goals, including a shutout in Game Seven of the First Round. The top defensive pairing of Dougie Hamilton and Jonas Seigenthaler has been leading the way, and John Marino, Ryan Graves, and Damon Severson have also contributed by creating turnovers and limiting shots on goal. Akira Schmid has been outstanding in goal, with a .951 save percentage, a 1.38 goals-against average, and 6.2 goals saved above average in Round 1.
- New Jersey is 9-4 SU in their last 13 games against an opponent in the Eastern Conference.
- The total stayed UNDER in 4 of New Jersey’s last 6 games with a team in the Metropolitan Division.
- The total remained UNDER in 6 of New Jersey’s last 8 games played in May.
New Jersey Devils vs Carolina Hurricanes 5/3/2023 Previews, Predictions and Picks
The Carolina Hurricanes may have struggled offensively in their First Round series, scoring only 16 goals in six games, but they still managed to control the series. Sebastian Aho, Stefan Noesen, and Seth Jarvis were the stars of the top two lines, contributing eight goals and seven assists.
Fortunately for the Hurricanes, their defense was outstanding in the First Round, allowing only 15 goals, with just six goals scored against them in the final three games. Brent Burns and Jaccob Slavin have been the backbone of the top pairing, while Brett Pesce, Brady Skjei, and Shayne Gostisbehere have provided depth to the unit. They’ve created turnovers in the neutral zone and defensive zone, and have limited shooting lanes, making it difficult for their opponents to get quality shots on goal. Frederik Andersen also stepped up in Game Six, making 33 saves on 34 shots to seal the series win.
- The total went OVER in 8 of Carolina’s last 12 games.
- The Carolina Hurricanes are 3-8 ATS in its last 11 home games.
- The total went OVER in 4 of Carolina’s last 5 games at home.
New Jersey Devils vs. Carolina Hurricanes. The NHL Pick for this contest is the Carolina Hurricanes. Carolina had a solid regular season and has a strong record against their Metropolitan Division and Eastern Conference rivals, the New Jersey Devils. In fact, they won five out of the last seven matchups between the two teams. They also have a significant advantage playing at home, winning four out of the last five games on their home-ice against the Devils. This home ice advantage will be crucial in their upcoming matchup. The host team has won 12 of the last 16 meetings between these two teams. The Prediction for the final score is that the Carolina Hurricanes will win 3-1.
NHL Starting Time: 7:00 PM ET
Location: PNC Arena in Raleigh, NC
Date: Wednesday, May 3, 2023
TV: ESPN
NHL Odds/Point Spread: Carolina Hurricanes -120
NHL Totals: 5.5
