The New Jersey Devils are back in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. After missing the postseason in 2024 in disappointing fashion, the Devils are in the top 16 teams in the league once again. The season did not go as most hoped, but nothing matters at this point. The Devils made the playoffs, and now everything is even.
They are taking on the Carolina Hurricanes, with the series beginning with a Easter matinee. As we prepare for the series to begin, let's take a look at the Pucks and Pitchforks New Jersey Devils Stanley Cup Playoffs preview.
1. Name one reason why you think the New Jersey Devils can beat the Carolina Hurricanes in the playoffs.
Nick Villano: I assume everyone will mention goaltending, so to be a little different, we'll say the power play. Even without Jack Hughes, the Devils' PP has been essential to scoring, and the Hurricanes' PP has been pretty bad this season in comparison. The trope that no penalties are called in the playoffs usually isn't true, especially in the first round.
Vinnie Parise: The New Jersey Devils have Nico Hischier leading the way. When he is involved, good things are possible. Even when things seem bleak, there is always a chance because of their fantastic captain.
Jon Bailey: One reason I think the Devils can beat the Hurricanes is the return of Dougie Hamilton. I truly feel that he, at least partially, carried the defense this year. It's no surprise the Devils were markedly worse at both ends of the ice following his injury.
Charlie Borges Jr.: The only way I see the Devils could possibly beat the Hurricanes is the play of the Hurricanes goaltending. If they play consistently bad like they can from time to time, the Devils have a slight chance.
Rob DeLuca: Freddie Andersen still had a fine year for Carolina but it was down from previous seasons. If the Devils can get some key saves from their goaltending they have the ability to steal the series.
Trey Matthews: The Devils are one of the top teams in the league when it comes to power-play and penalty kill. Whereas, the Hurricanes are one of the bottom-tier teams.
Jennifer Streeter: While this isn't the most analytical answer, I feel that when a lot of casual NHL fans hear the New Jersey Devils, they only think of Jack Hughes; I think with Jack Hughes out, they've proven that they can make the playoffs without him and that they have enough of a talented roster all around enough to be the Hurricanes. There's definitely some motivation there when it comes to the other players wanting to prove they can do this without them.
Marci Rubin: Special teams. The Devils have a much better power play and are almost as strong as the Hurricanes on the penalty kill, so they have the edge with special teams.
Sam Annaluru: Goaltending. Carolina’s goaltending, while decent, is not elite enough to where it can’t be the deciding factor in a series.
Emma Miller: Despite the recent struggles, the Devils are a team that plays with grit. In the season series, we saw a lot of game-tying goals from both sides — New Jersey is capable of playing hard in close matchups and coming out on top, which will be how they find a way to win.
Joe Stanislau: Goaltending, bottom-six depth additions, the power play, and penalty kill. The Devils added more Sasquatch-type players like Paul Cotter and Brenden Dillon, who can make a big impact. Brett Pesce and Luke Hughes will look to stymie the Hurricanes defensively.
Luke Garrison: The Devils can beat the Carolina Hurricanes due to how good the goaltending can be. If Markstrom can keep up with his style of play in December, then the team can steal a few games.