Devils vs Hurricanes Prediction Game 4 NHL Playoffs 5/9
- Lm Tipster
- May 9, 2023, 8:21:28 AM
© Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports
Introduction
The Carolina Hurricanes and the New Jersey Devils will play the fourth game of their East 2nd Round series on May 9, 2023. The Hurricanes currently lead the series 2-1, but the Devils managed to secure a dominant 8-4 victory in the last game. The odds are in favor of the Devils to win at home, with the line set at -155. In this article, we will review the strengths and weaknesses of both teams and analyze the injuries that may impact the game’s outcome.
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Teams’ Offense
The Hurricanes and the Devils are two of the best offensive teams in the NHL. The Hurricanes finished first in the Metropolitan Division with a record of 52-21-9, while the Devils finished second with a record of 52-22-8. The Hurricanes averaged 3.20 goals per game during the regular season, while the Devils averaged 3.52 goals per game.
The Hurricanes are led by center Sebastian Aho, who scored 36 goals during the regular season and has been instrumental in the team’s success in the playoffs. Aho has excellent chemistry with linemates Teuvo Teravainen and Andrei Svechnikov, who have both scored over 20 goals this season. The Hurricanes’ power play is also among the best in the league, converting on 19.8% of their opportunities.
The Devils are led by center Jack Hughes, who had a breakout season with 99 points (43 goals and 56 assists). Hughes has been a force to be reckoned with in the playoffs, leading his team in goals and points. The Devils also have a solid supporting cast in wingers Nico Hischier and Jesper Bratt, who have both scored over 20 goals this season. The Devils’ power play has been outstanding in the playoffs, converting on 21.9% of their opportunities.
Teams’ Defense
The Hurricanes and the Devils are also solid defensive teams. The Hurricanes allowed an average of 2.55 goals per game during the regular season, while the Devils allowed an average of 2.71 goals per game.
The Hurricanes have a talented defensive group led by Dougie Hamilton and Jaccob Slavin, who both had over 30 points during the regular season. The Hurricanes’ penalty kill is also one of the best in the league, with an 84.4% success rate.
The Devils have a strong defensive group led by Ryan Graves and P.K. Subban. The Devils’ penalty kill has also been effective in the playoffs, with an 82.6% success rate.
Injury Report
Both teams have key players who are injured and may miss the game. For the Hurricanes, winger Teuvo Teravainen is out with an undisclosed injury. Teravainen is a key player for the Hurricanes and was instrumental in their success during the regular season.
For the Devils, defenseman Ryan Graves is day-to-day with an upper-body injury. Graves is a solid defenseman who has been effective in the playoffs, and his absence could impact the Devils’ defensive performance.
Prediction
Based on our analysis, we predict that the Carolina Hurricanes will keep the game closer than Game 3 and potentially cover the +1.5 puck line or even win the game. The Hurricanes have a solid offensive team that can generate plenty of chances and they have shown that they can score against the Devils.
Despite losing Game 3, the Hurricanes have been dominant in the series and they are still up 2-1. We expect them to come out with a sense of urgency and play with more intensity in Game 4. The Hurricanes have a talented group of forwards, led by Sebastian Aho and Martin Necas, who have been producing consistently throughout the playoffs. We believe that they will continue to do so and make life difficult for the Devils' defense.
On the defensive side, the Hurricanes have been solid as well. They have allowed an average of 2.55 goals per game in the playoffs, which is the second-best mark among all teams. Frederik Andersen has been playing well in net, and he has the ability to steal a game for his team. Additionally, the Hurricanes have been excellent on the penalty kill, which could be a key factor in a close game.
Pick: Hurricanes +130
