This is Carolina’s fifth straight year in the playoffs which is massive compared to this being New Jersey’s first playoff appearance in five years. Many analysts were concerned about New Jersey’s playoff experience heading into the series against the Rangers though. The Devils shut the door on the critics once more, proving you don’t need to be the oldest or most experienced.
This is a surreal point in time for Devils fans as the comeback kids finished in 28th place overall last season. Making the jump from 63 points to 112 in one season is remarkable and rare. Not one soul predicted outside of the Devils’ locker room predicted New Jersey to be sitting in this position right now, but here they are. Even after starting the series down 0-2, no one thought the Devils would be gearing up for a round two war with the Hurricanes.
Game 1 in this best-of-seven series begins Wednesday night in Raleigh, N.C. The Devils look to make it to the second round for the first time since 2012 and a game-one win on the road would be a great first step to that goal. Buckle up New Jersey, this is going to be a shootout.