Carolina Hurricanes vs New Jersey Devils Picks and Predictions December 28th 2024

Carolina Hurricanes vs New Jersey Devils December 28th 2024

Looking to win big? The Devils and Hurricanes face off at 7:00 ET on ESPN+. The Hurricanes are hosting the game at Lenovo Center in Raleigh, NC. The over/under for this matchup is currently set at 6 goals and the Hurricanes are the -1.5 favorite to win at home vs. the Devils.

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New Jersey vs. Carolina Key Information

• Teams: Devils at Hurricanes
• Where: Lenovo Center Raleigh
• Date: Saturday, December 28th
• Betting Odds CAR -137 | NJ +116 O/U 6

The Devils Can Win If…

New Jersey’s latest game was a 3-0 road loss to the Flames. The Devils were favored on the puck line (-1.5) but failed to cover, and the total was set at 6.5 goals, with the combined score falling well short.

After the loss, New Jersey’s record stands at 24-11-3. The game was scoreless until the third period, when the Flames broke through at 14:26. Calgary added two more goals, including an empty-netter, to seal the win.

The Devils were shut out in their last game, managing 22 shots on goal but failing to find the net. They gave the puck away 19 times and were unable to score in any period.

New Jersey was held scoreless through the first two periods and ended the game without a goal. The Devils didn’t score on the power play or in any other situation, finishing with 0 goals.

Defensively, the Devils held the Flames scoreless through the first two periods, but they conceded three goals in the third, including an empty-netter. New Jersey’s defense finished with 5 takeaways and 22 hits.

• Over their last three games, the Devils have gone 3-0 straight up. Their strong play has also resulted in an puck line mark of 3-0 (last 3). They had an over/under mark of 1-2 in those same games.
• Across New Jersey’s last ten regular season games, their record sits at 7-3. In these contests, the team went just 6-4 against the spread, while going 1-9 on the over-under.

The Hurricanes Can Win If…

Carolina improved to 21-13-1 with a 4-2 road win over the Capitals. The Hurricanes covered the puck line as -1.5 goal favorites, and the total of 6 goals matched the pre-game line.

Carolina scored first, but the Capitals responded with two goals in the first period. The Hurricanes tied it up in the second and added two more, including an empty-netter, to secure the win.

The Hurricanes took 45 shots on goal in their 4-2 win over the Capitals, with Dmitry Orlov scoring twice. Orlov’s goals were his third of the season, while Martin Necas added his sixth goal and picked up two assists. Andrei Svechnikov also netted his sixth goal, an empty-netter with 9 seconds left in the game.

Carolina’s first goal came at 5:59 in the first period, and they added two more in the second before Svechnikov’s late empty-netter. The Hurricanes had 14 giveaways and finished with 5 assists.

Carolina’s defense gave up two late goals in the first period, but they tightened up after that, not allowing another goal. Pyotr Kochetkov made 19 saves with a 90.5% save percentage, while the defense added 7 takeaways and 10 hits.

• Carolina has put together a record of 1-2 in their last three games (regular season). This includes going 1-2 vs. the puck line along with an over-under mark of 2-1.
• The Hurricanes have gone 5-5 over their last ten regular season games. Their record vs the puck line sits at 4-6 in these matchups, while posting a 4-6 over-under mark.

The Lean

For a moneyline pick, I’m taking the Hurricanes to pick up on a win over the Devils at home. With the moneyline sitting at -137, I’ll be locking in a bet on the Hurricanes straight-up.

If you’re looking for a puck line bet, I’d suggest going with the Devils to cover. Even in the event of a Hurricanes victory, this game is expected to be closely fought, and the Devils should cover the puck line.

If you’re looking at the over/under line set at 6 goals, our prediction is that this game will exceed that mark, and we strongly advise placing a bet on the over.

The Best Expert Hockey Handicappers

Hurricanes Seek Redemption and Scoring Touch in Rematch with Devils

A weekend home-and-home series between the New Jersey Devils and Carolina Hurricanes offers a glimpse of what could become a thrilling playoff showdown. While the Devils claimed victory in the first matchup, both teams are focused on tightening their games in Saturday’s rematch in Raleigh, N.C.

This marks the final regular-season meeting between the Metropolitan Division rivals, with the Devils leading the series 2-1.

Devils Seize Control in Newark

The Devils secured a 4-2 win Friday night, with standout performances from Luke Hughes, who scored the game-winner, and Dawson Mercer, who added an insurance goal shortly after. The win extended New Jersey’s winning streak to three games and gave them six victories in their last seven outings.

The Devils now hold a three-point lead over the second-place Washington Capitals and are eight points clear of the third-place Hurricanes in the Metropolitan Division.

“Massive — very, very important to come out of Christmas like that,” Hughes said postgame. “Big divisional games, and hopefully it’s an eight-point swing [on Saturday].”

Room for Improvement on Both Sides

Despite their victory, the Devils didn’t dominate the game. Carolina outshot them 31-23, marking the most shots the Devils have allowed since Dec. 2. This was a rare lapse for New Jersey, which ranks among the NHL’s best defensive teams, allowing just 25.1 shots per game, the second-lowest in the league.

“Playing against a team that’s willing to shoot the puck from the parking lot — they’re going to get it there, so you’re going to get tested,” Devils coach Sheldon Keefe said. “I didn’t think it was our best game by any means.”

For the Hurricanes, Friday’s performance followed their familiar blueprint: creating numerous chances and controlling possession. Carolina ranks second in the NHL with an average of 31.7 shots per game, but their inability to finish scoring opportunities continues to plague them.

Carolina’s Scoring Struggles Continue

The Hurricanes’ recent stretch underscores their difficulties in converting chances. They have scored three goals or fewer in 10 of their last 13 games, resulting in a 5-8-0 record since Nov. 29. Once atop both the Metropolitan Division and the Eastern Conference, Carolina now finds itself sliding down the standings.

“I liked our game overall,” Hurricanes coach Rod Brind’Amour said. “Giving up four [goals] is not what we want to do, but we didn’t really give up a ton of opportunities. So overall, I didn’t mind the game at all.”

However, Brind’Amour acknowledged the critical need to improve their scoring output: “We’ve got to find a way to get a few more past them.”

Key Takeaways for Saturday’s Rematch

As both teams prepare for Saturday night, several key factors will determine the outcome:

1. Devils’ Defensive Structure:
   New Jersey must rediscover its ability to limit high-danger chances and regain control of puck possession.
2. Hurricanes’ Scoring Efficiency:
   Carolina needs to capitalize on its opportunities. High shot volumes will not translate to wins unless they convert more frequently.
3. Momentum and Divisional Stakes:
   With playoff positioning on the line, this game could have long-term implications for both teams’ postseason paths.

Final Thoughts

The Devils and Hurricanes are both top contenders, but Friday’s game revealed areas needing refinement. The Devils’ resilience and timely scoring gave them the edge, while the Hurricanes’ inability to finish cost them a critical game.

As they clash for the final time in the regular season, expect intensity, strategy, and a sense of urgency from both sides. This rematch is not just about a split—it’s about proving who can rise to the occasion when it matters most.