NHL Playoffs: Carolina Hurricanes at New Jersey Devils odds, picks and predictions
The Carolina Hurricanes and the New Jersey Devils meet in Game 3 of an Eastern Conference best-of-7, first-round series in the Stanley Cup Playoffs Friday. Puck drop is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET (TBS/Max). Let's analyze BetMGM Sportsbook's NHL odds around the Hurricanes vs. Devils odds and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.
Series: Hurricanes lead 2-0
The Hurricanes took care of business in 2 games on home ice prior to the series shift to Newark. Carolina struggled to finish the regular season, but snapped back into form at Lenovo Center with a pair of dominant wins. Now, can it change perceptions and win away from home?
The Hurricanes struggled on the road this season, finishing 16-21-4 away from home, compared to an impressive 31-9-1 record in Raleigh -- where they're also 2-0 so far in the playoffs. That road record includes 2 losses at Prudential Center, where they dropped a pair of 4-2 games to the Devils Nov. 21 and Dec. 27.
In Game 2, the heavily-favored Hurricanes (-255) were dominant in a 3-1 victory behind resurgent G Frederik Andersen. He was beaten by Devils LW Jesper Bratt early in the first period to quiet the crowd in Raleigh, but D Shayne Gostisbehere and LW Jordan Martinook got the fans out of their seats with 2 quick goals in the second period. Marty's goal was of the shorthanded variety, too. There was no more scoring until C Seth Jarvis deposited one into the yawning empty net at 19:23 of the third period.
In all 6 meetings between these teams this season -- including the first 2 games of this playoff series -- the favorite has covered the puck line, winning each matchup by at least 2 goals. The average margin of victory in the season series stands at 2.3 goals per game (GPG).
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Hurricanes at Devils odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 11:20 a.m. ET.
Moneyline (ML) : Hurricanes -165 (bet $165 to win $100) | Devils +140 (bet $100 to win $140)
: Hurricanes -165 (bet $165 to win $100) | Devils +140 (bet $100 to win $140) Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS) : Hurricanes -1.5 (+165) | Devils +1.5 (-200)
: Hurricanes -1.5 (+165) | Devils +1.5 (-200) Over/Under (O/U): 5.5 (O: +105 | U: -125)
Hurricanes at Devils projected goalies
Frederik Andersen (13-8-1, 2.50 GAA, .899 SV%, 1 SO - regular season) vs. Jacob Markstrom (26-16-6, 2.50 GAA, .900 SV%, 4 SO - regular season)
The 35-year-old Great Dane has turned things around dramatically in the first 2 games of these playoffs. He allowed 4 or more goals in his first 4 starts of the regular season, going 1-3-1 with a 4.14 GAA and .836 SV% in 5 regular-season starts in April. That seems like a distant memory now, though.
There is still some concern, though, as he hasn't won on the road since March 23, and he coughed up 16 total goals in just 3 road starts April 5-17.
Markstrom was solid in both starts in Raleigh, making 41 saves in a 4-1 loss in Game 1, while turning back 25 of the 27 shots he faced in Game 2. He has received a total of just 2 goals of offensive support in the 2 playoff games, so he'll hope the change of venue means a little more pep in the step for his skaters.
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Hurricanes at Devils picks and predictions
Prediction
Devils 3, Hurricanes 2
It's now or never for the DEVILS (+140) on home ice in Game 3. Facing an 0-3 deficit, the season is hanging by a thread. A win at Prudential Center could breathe life back into the series -- otherwise, their playoff hopes are all but gone.
Yes, New Jersey is missing C Jack Hughes, long gone due to a season-ending shoulder injury. And, defensemen Brendan Dillon, Luke Hughes and Jonas Siegenthaler have each been dinged up. But, the replacements among the rearguards have been fine; it's the offense that's not firing on all cylinders. New Jersey needs to get off to a quick start, building an early lead against a Carolina team not nearly as confident on the road as it is at home.
The Devils +1.5 (-200) will cost you 2 times your potential return if you need a little insurance and cannot bring yourself to play New Jersey straight up.
There hasn't been a 1-goal game in this matchup since Carolina's 1-0 OT win Feb. 10, 2024. Since then, each of the last 7 meetings has been decided by at least 2 goals.
AVOID.
The UNDER 5.5 (-125) is the lean again in Game 3, but roll with a half-unit play at best.
Andersen has really kept a lid on the New Jersey offense, and Carolina has had 3.5 GPG in 2 wins on home ice. However, 2 of the goals for the Canes were of the empty-net variety, so it isn't like the offense is exactly humming for them, either.
For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.
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