In a series chock-full of surprises, the upcoming NHL game between the New Jersey Devils and the Carolina Hurricanes is shaping up to be a must-watch event.
While both teams have displayed impressive goal-prevention tactics during the regular season and the first round of the playoffs, their head-to-head matchups have deviated from this trend.
With Carolina winning 5-1 and 6-1, and New Jersey bouncing back with an 8-4 victory, it’s clear that goal-scoring takes center stage when these two teams collide.
Before we get to our picks for this game in the NHL playoffs, you will want to check out our list of the best hockey betting sites and the Vegas odds for the upcoming 2023 NHL playoffs games.
New Jersey Devils
Despite the high-scoring nature of this series, I’m riding with the Devils to pull off the upset at +105 on the money line, and I’m expecting a low-scoring game that ultimately lands in their favor. Here’s why:
First off, let’s talk about the offensive prowess of the New Jersey Devils. Ranking 5th in overall goals scored during the regular season and 4th in 5-on-5 goals, this team is no stranger to lighting the lamp.
While their regular-season game total average was 6.23 and dropped to 4.86 in the first round, their current series with Carolina has seen an explosion in scoring, with a staggering average of 8.33 goals per game between both teams.
With both the Devils and Hurricanes averaging more than three goals scored per game in this series, there’s no denying that these two squads can bring the heat.
I still believe a low-scoring game is in the cards for this matchup. While it’s true that the Devils and Hurricanes have been piling on the points, it’s important to remember that their core strength lies in goal prevention.
Don’t sleep on New Jersey – they’re ready to prove they’re not going down without a fight.
I recommend betting on the Devils to win this game at +105 odds at BetUS.
With the series being as unpredictable as it is, it’s plausible that both teams will dial back the offensive fireworks and focus on their defensive game.
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Carolina Hurricanes
Carolina’s strength lies in their ability to disrupt their opponents’ zone entries and create chaos on the ice.
It’s important to remember that the ‘Canes are no strangers to adversity, having faced numerous challenges throughout the season.
Despite their setbacks, they’ve proved themselves as a formidable, offensively and defensively team. With their skill, determination, and resilience, the ‘Canes are well-positioned to take down the Devils and win this series.
There is a reason they are favored at -125 on the money line, indicating a better than 55% chance they win this game and eliminate the Devils.
For some reason, it doesn’t feel like this series is over yet; I would not recommend betting on the ‘Canes to win on the money line at -125.
Total Goals
The total currently sits at 5.5 goals, and I’m banking on the Devils to capitalize on a more defensively-oriented match.
One major factor in the Devils’ favor is the recent resurgence of Timo Meier. After a regular season with 40 goals and 66 points in 78 games, Meier finally netted his first goal and point of the playoffs in the previous game.
This breakthrough is crucial for the Devils, as it will undoubtedly boost Meier’s confidence and potentially spark a scoring streak.
Playing alongside star Jack Hughes and Dawson Mercer on the same line and featuring on the top powerplay with Hughes, Nico Hischier, Jesper Bratt, and Dougie Hamilton, Meier’s scoring opportunities should only increase.
With his newfound momentum, expect Meier to significantly impact the upcoming game and help propel the Devils to victory.
The fact that the Devils have managed to stay competitive in this series, despite their shaky start, is a testament to their resilience and determination. This team has shown that they can bounce back from adversity and put up a fight against the formidable Hurricanes.
With their backs against the wall, I fully expect the Devils to dig deep, stifle Carolina’s offense, and eke out a win in a low-scoring affair.
I recommend betting on Under 5.5 goals in this game at even money -100 odds on BetUS.
The New Jersey Devils are primed to defy expectations and come out on top in their next battle against the Carolina Hurricanes.
With a low-scoring game anticipated, the Devils will lean on their goal-prevention expertise and the renewed offensive threat of Timo Meier to secure a crucial victory.
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