Devils vs Hurricanes Game 1 Prediction & Best Bets: Goaltenders Shine at PNC Arena

The New Jersey Devils and Carolina Hurricanes begin their second-round NHL playoff series on Wednesday, May 3. The Metropolitan Division rivals split the Devils vs Hurricanes regular-season series two games apiece, showing just how evenly matched these teams can be. But which side will start this series on the right foot?

We're dancing with the Devils ? pic.twitter.com/UoBFIoVTWo

— Carolina Hurricanes (@Canes) May 2, 2023

The Devils went blow-for-blow with the New York Rangers in Round 1, ultimately, needing seven games to move on to the next stage. The Hurricanes were challenged in their series against the New York Islanders but managed to close things out in six contests. Having said that, ending things one game soon means that Carolina has had three extra days to rest.

Can the Devils move one step closer to their first Eastern Conference Finals appearance in over a decade? Or will the Hurricanes capitalize on their home-ice advantage with a win?

Betting News has all of your Devils vs Hurricanes Game 1 needs, ranging from the latest betting odds to the best bet that you can make.

New Jersey Devils vs Carolina Hurricanes Game 1 Information and Betting Odds

Matchup Information

• Matchup: New Jersey Devils vs. Carolina Hurricanes (Series tied 0-0)
• Venue & Location: PNC Arena (Raleigh, North Carolina)
• Date: Wednesday, May 3, 2023
• Game Time: 7 p.m. Eastern Time
• Devils vs Hurricanes TV Info: ESPN

Devils vs Hurricanes Game 1 Odds

Game odds are via BetOnline as of Wednesday, May 3 at 9:05 a.m. ET. Odds from other top online sportsbooks may also be mentioned in this article.

Spread

• New Jersey Devils +1.5 (-265)
• Carolina Hurricanes -1.5 (+215)

Over/Under

• Over 5.5 Goals (+110)
• Under 5.5 Goals (-134)

Moneyline

• New Jersey Devils +100
• Carolina Hurricanes -120

Devils vs Hurricanes Betting Trends

• New Jersey is 10-5 straight up in its last 15 games.
• Carolina is 7-2 straight up in its last nine home games against New Jersey.
• The total has hit the over in 10 of New Jersey’s last 18 games.
• The total has hit the under in 11 of Carolina’s last 16 games.
• The total has hit the over in six of the last 10 New Jersey-Carolina matchups.

Devils vs Hurricanes Game 1 Preview

The regular-season series between these division rivals was about as even as it gets.

The first encounter saw the Hurricanes pick up a 4-1 victory over the Devils in December, followed by a 5-4 shootout victory less than two weeks later. New Jersey got revenge nine days after that, notching a 5-3 victory at PNC Arena. The Devils then completely blanked the Canes in the finale on March 12, winning 3-0 on home ice.

Speaking of a shutout, the Devils received great goaltending to help close out the Rangers. Akira Schmid has been standing on his head, going 4-1 while playing to a 1.38 goals-against average and .951 save percentage with two shutouts in five starts.

Whoever the Hurricanes go with in goal has a tough test if they’re to match Schmid’s play. While Antti Raanta’s 2.59 GAA in five first-round starts is solid, he was in net for both of Carolina’s losses while his .906 SV% was less than ideal.

The Hurricanes also have Frederik Andersen, who backstopped his team to a 2-1 overtime win in Game 7. The Swedish goaltender stopped 33-of-34 shots (97.1%) in the victory, however, one game is a small sample size. It remains to be seen if Andersen has similar performances in store.

What a performance from Frederik Andersen last night!?@Canes | #NeverCompromise | #StanleyCup pic.twitter.com/eatETK7TMd

— NHL Network (@NHLNetwork) April 29, 2023

If this game comes down to special teams, the Hurricanes have the edge on both the power play and penalty kill. Carolina went 5-of-25 (20.0%) on the power play with a 94.4% success rate on the penalty kill in the first round. As for the Devils, their PP only converted on 4-of-24 opportunities (16.7%) and while their 82.1% PK percentage is respectable, it doesn’t compare to that of their opponent.

At the end of the day, this game is going to come down to which team gets the more timely goals. Neither side produced much offense in the opening round. The Devils averaged 2.43 goals per game while the Hurricanes tallied a 2.67 G/PG clip.

Unfortunately for New Jersey, it’s had issues scoring at PNC Arena, averaging 2.4 goals in the last five Devils vs Hurricanes tilts in Raleigh, finishing with two or fewer thrice. Meanwhile, Carolina is averaging exactly four goals over that span.

Speaking of PNC Arena, the Hurricanes are an impressive 30-14 straight up at home this season. The Devils are no slouches on the road, though, going 30-14 straight up in away games. Having said that, New Jersey hasn’t been as dominant as the visitor lately, dropping five of its last nine road contests.

Devils vs Hurricanes Game 1 Prediction and Picks

Devils vs Hurricanes Prediction: Hurricanes 3, Devils 2

Panthers vs Maple Leafs: Hurricanes ML (Best Value: -120 at BetOnline) & Under 5.5 Goals (Best Value: -134 at BetOnline)

I predict that the Hurricanes will open this second-round series with a win tonight. Although both sides have gotten great defense and goaltending, Carolina has the clear special teams advantage, as well as a raucous home crowd on its side. Rod Brind'Amour’s club is also 4-1 straight up in its last five home games against New Jersey, further pushing things in the home team’s favor.

I also recommend backing the total to finish under 5.5 goals. Again, both teams’ goaltenders have been playing out of their minds. Furthermore, the under is 4-1 in New Jersey’s last five games, as well as 6-1 in Carolina’s previous seven at home.

With neither team filling the net this postseason, don’t expect many fireworks during this series.

Other Devils vs Hurricanes Betting Resources

• Devils vs Hurricanes Consensus Picks, Score Projections & Betting Stats

Other NHL Stories on Betting News (May 3)

• Stanley Cup Winner Odds and Best Bets

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