Stanley Cup Playoffs: Devils vs Hurricanes Game 1 Odds, Analysis, & Picks

The 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs are underway and Game 1 of the Eastern Conference first round between the New Jersey Devils and Carolina Hurricanes takes place on Sunday, April 20. The puck is scheduled to drop at 3:08 PM ET at the Leonover Center in Raleigh. Carolina comes into the playoffs as the second seed out of the Metropolitan Division, while the Devils snuck in as the final playoff team in the same division, finishing eight points behind their first round opponents. Below, find our Devils vs Hurricanes Game 1 picks.

Odds provided by Sports Interaction.

Devils vs Hurricanes Game 1 Odds

The Canes head into the series opener as a heavy -208 favorite to win Game 1. The Devils return as a +270 underdog at NHL sportsbooks. The Over 5.5 goals has +115 odds, while the Under sits at -133.

Devils vs Hurricanes H2H history

These two teams met four times in 2024-25 and compiled a pair of wins apiece. Both of Carolina’s victories came on home ice, while the Devils won twice in their home arena. Every single meeting this season finished Over 5.5 goals, so that’s a bet to certainly keep in mind for Game 1 and beyond. 

Devils vs Hurricanes Analysis

New Jersey had a solid campaign in one of the tougher divisions in hockey, finishing with a 42-33-7 record in 81 games. Despite losing superstar Jack Hughes to a season-ending injury in March, the Devils managed to stay competitive. While Hughes was one of their top guys with 27 goals and 43 assists, there is a solid core who are doing their part ofr NJ.

Jesper Bratt led the way with 21 goals and a team-best 67 assists and 88 points. He’ll be relied upon to make some noise in this series. Nico Hischier is also a dangerous weapon, having scored 35 times and supplied 34 helpers in 75 appearances this season. Six different players on the Devils roster have a minimum of 40 points. New Jersey went 5-5-0 in their final 10 contests and lost to Detroit in the season finale on Wednesday.

The Hurricanes head into the playoffs as a potential Stanley Cup contender. Despite butchering the Mikko Rantanen trade, this is still a very good team. Carolina was 47-30-5 in ‘24-25, finishing as a runner-up in the Metropolitan behind the Capitals. While they did lose three straight to close out the campaign, the Canes were resting several top players.

Sebastian Aho is the main man for Carolina, leading the group with 74 points, including 29 goals and 45 assists. Seth Jarvis has also scored 32 and tallied 35 helpers. Andrei Svechnikov, Shayne Gostisbehere, and Taylor Hall are all part of the 40-point club, too. The Canes rank ninth in goals scored and second in SOG. They will be creating lots of chances in Game 1, and Carolina is solid in their own net, thanks to Frederik Andersen and Pyotr Kochetkov.

Devils vs Hurricanes Game 1 Picks

The Hurricanes have been a completely different team at home, compiling a 31-9-1 record. They’ve actually played under .500 hockey on the road. That being said, I’m confident Carolina is going to come out and take Game 1, especially since their best players come in very well-rested. While it may not offer a ton of value, lock in the moneyline.

Pick: Hurricanes -208/Sports Interaction