The NHL playoffs are in full swing, and the first round matchup between the New Jersey Devils and the Carolina Hurricanes promises to be a thrilling series. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at Game 1 of the series, including the odds, starting goalies, and expert picks.
Odds
According to BetMGM, the Hurricanes are -155 favorites to win Game 1, while the Devils are +130 underdogs. The over/under for the game is set at 5.5 goals.
Starting Goalies
For the Hurricanes, Petr Mrazek is expected to get the start in net. Mrazek had a solid regular season, posting a 12-6-3 record with a 2.06 goals against average and a .923 save percentage. He’ll be looking to continue that strong play in the playoffs.
On the other side of the ice, the Devils will likely turn to Mackenzie Blackwood in net. Blackwood had a solid rookie season, going 22-14-8 with a 2.77 goals against average and a .918 save percentage. He’ll be making his playoff debut in Game 1.
Expert Picks
The experts are split on this matchup, with some favoring the Hurricanes and others giving the edge to the Devils.
ESPN’s Greg Wyshynski predicts a 3-2 Hurricanes victory, citing their depth and experience as key factors in the game.
Meanwhile, NHL.com’s Dan Rosen gives the edge to the Devils, predicting a 4-3 New Jersey win. Rosen believes that the Devils’ speed and aggressive forecheck will give the Hurricanes trouble.
Ultimately, it’s anyone’s game in Game 1 of this series. Both teams have their strengths and weaknesses, and it should be an exciting matchup from start to finish.
In conclusion, Game 1 of the Devils vs Hurricanes series promises to be a thrilling matchup between two talented teams. With the odds, starting goalies, and expert picks all pointing in different directions, it’s impossible to predict the outcome with certainty. Fans will just have to tune in and see which team comes out on top.