A couple of teams that split their head-to-head series 2-2 last year, the New Jersey Devils and the Carolina Hurricanes take the ice at PNC Arena. This divisional matchup will get going at 7 p.m. ET on Friday, February 14, and it will air live on Fox Sports Carolina.
New Jersey Devils vs. Carolina Hurricanes Odds
Moneyline odds have not yet been posted for this matchup.
Even though their record stands at 32-24 straight up (SU), the Hurricanes have earned moneyline bettors a total of 1.8 units this season. Through 56 regular season contests, 30 of its games have gone under the total, while 26 have gone over and none have pushed. This year, the team’s 18-10 SU at home.
Carolina’s converted on 21.9 percent of its power play opportunities this year, a figure that’s right around league average. On the other hand, its penalty kill is rated 11th overall, and it’s successfully killed off 82.3 percent of all penalties.
Carolina, as a collective unit, has been whistled for penalties 3.9 times per game overall this season, 4.0 per game over its past five games total, and 3.8 per game over its last five home outings. The team’s had to stave off opposition power plays for just 7.7 minutes per game over its last 10 outings, in total.
Averaging 24.5 saves per game with a .901 save percentage, Petr Mrazek (18 wins, 17 losses, and two OT losses) has been the primary goalkeeper for the Hurricanes this season. If they decide to rest him, however, Carolina may turn to James Reimer (14-9-9 record, .917 save percentage, 2.61 goals against average).
The Canes will continue to lean on the offensive production from Teuvo Teravainen and Sebastian Aho. Teravainen (54 points) is up to 12 goals and 42 assists and has recorded multiple points on 13 separate occasions this year. Aho has 31 goals and 21 assists to his credit and has recorded at least one point in 32 contests.
On the other hand, New Jersey is 21-35 straight up (SU) and has lost 10.2 units for bettors taking the moneyline thus far. Through 56 regular season outings, 30 of its games have gone over the total, while 24 have gone under the total and just one has pushed. As a road team, New Jersey is 12-15 SU so far.
New Jersey has converted on just 16.8 percent of its power play chances this year, a mark that places it in the bottom-10 overall among NHL teams. On the other hand, its penalty kill unit is ranked 16th overall and it’s successfully killed off 80.5 percent of all penalties.
New Jersey’s players have been penalized 4.0 times per game this season, and 3.3 per game over their last ten match ups. The team’s had to stave off opponent power plays just 8.5 minutes per game over their last 10 outings.
MacKenzie Blackwood (2.79 goals against average and .912 save percentage) has been the primary option in goal for New Jersey. Blackwood is averaging 27.1 saves per game and owns an 18-22-7 record.
Kyle Palmieri (21 goals, 18 assists) will pace the attack for the visiting Devils.
New Jersey Devils vs. Carolina Hurricanes Betting Picks
Prediction: SU Winner – Hurricanes, O/U – Over
Betting Notes
- For both of these clubs, the game went over the total in four of their last five outings.
- Extra-man opportunities may have a critical role in this matchup. The Devils are 10-15 when they serve fewer penalty minutes than their opponent and 13-19 in games where they’re in the penalty box for fewer than 10 total minutes. The Hurricanes are 9-5 when the team serves fewer penalty minutes than the opposition and 19-15 in games where they’re in the box for less than 10 minutes.
- Three of New Jersey’s past 10 outings have gone to a shootout. The team is 1-2 in those games and 3-6 overall in shootouts this season.
- Carolina skaters have averaged 10.8 takeaways per game over its last five home games, an improvement over its season average of 9.5 takeaways per game (ranked 3rd in the league).
- New Jersey is ranked 18th overall this season with 7.0 takeaways per game. That figure has trended upward, as it has averaged 7.8 takeaways over its last 10 games and 8.6 takeaways over its last five.
- Carolina may hold the upper hand if it’s a tight one late. The team’s 12-8 in games decided by one goal, while New Jersey is 10-12 in such games.
