Welcome to the latest edition of NHL Predictions. Each day, the team here at Last Word on Hockey will dive deep into analysis for any given game to give you the scoop on what elements can change the outcome. Today, we’re looking at the contest between the Carolina Hurricanes and the New Jersey Devils. Be sure to keep an eye on our other NHL Predictions as the season presses on.
NHL Predictions
Carolina Hurricanes at New Jersey Devils
Time: 7:00 PM Eastern Standard Time (EST)
TV: FDSNSO, MSGN, ESPN+
The Carolina Hurricanes are headed north for a divisional matchup with the New Jersey Devils. It will be the first of a back-to-back set the two rivals will play before they head to Raleigh for their next game with each other. It will be their third meeting this season, with the first having been won by Carolina on home ice and the second won by New Jersey on home ice.
The Carolina Story
When the puck drops in Jersey, it will mark a huge milestone for Canes’ star blueliner Jaccob Slavin. The two-time Lady Byng Memorial Trophy winner (and top-five finalist for five consecutive years) will be skating in his 700th NHL career game. This season, he has logged 10 points and currently leads the league with 34 takeaways.
The Carolina Hurricanes’ game before Christmas was slow for the team in the first two periods. During the first two frames they allowed from the Nashville Predators three goals and 20 shots, while only generating 14 themselves. In the third period, however, things began to turn momentarily in favour of the Canes. Managing 13 shots in the third period, they found the back of the net twice in a span of just 40 seconds. The first coming from the Captain Jordan Staal with the help of both of his linemates, Jordan Martinook and William Carrier. Soon following was Sebastian Aho with assistance from both of his linemates of the game, as well, with Seth Jarvis and Jack Roslovic giving a helping hand.
However, the now two goal deficit was just too much for the Canes to surpass. With Dustin Tokarski back on the bench and his net empty, William Carrier’s former teammate Jonathan Marchessault scored for the second time of the night, sealing the deal with a final score of 5-2.
The New Jersey Story
A familiar face may return for the Devils in the upcoming game. Forward Curtis Lazar has been having a fit with his knee, with the game against the Anaheim Ducks on October 27th being the last consecutive game he played. He had initially returned on December 17th for the game against the St. Louis Blues, but ultimately continued to miss time afterwards due to the injury. However, Head Coach Sheldon Keefe has expressed that he should be good to go after Christmas break. Whether it’ll be many games after or immediately is the question, but it is definitely something to keep an eye out for.
In New Jersey’s game before Christmas, they took on the New York Rangers at Prudential Center. It was quite the game as Jacob Markstrom recorded his third shutout of the season. The game saw incredible defence from the Devils as they allowed only 12 shots on goal from the Blueshirts. Not only was the defence highly efficient, but the offence great, as well, scoring five goals and putting 29 shots on Jonathan Quick’s net. Special teams got some shine of their own, with a perfect penalty kill and scoring on three out of four power play opportunities.
NHL Predictions Featuring the Carolina Hurricanes at the New Jersey Devils
The long-time rivalry between these two teams has always made their games interesting. However, that is especially so now as they duke it out, both in the Metropolitan Division’s top-three just like the old days. Both teams are impressive and very similar in many aspects, but something that has been incredible to watch are their special teams. Carolina sits in the top five teams in the penalty kill, while New Jersey has a top five ranking for the power play. Furthermore, both are some of the top teams for power play goals and shots on goal. The teams have been like two sides of the same coin this season. Considering their previous games this season and strong similarity, the win could go to either.
Prediction: Hurricanes win 3-2
Your Nightly Bets
Christmas break may give the players the rest and reset they have been needing, so results may vary a bit more than usual. For Carolina, both Andrei Svechnikov and Jaccob Slavin are the players we are still looking at. In the previous game, Slavin was right on the door of a goal on multiple tries. Meanwhile, Svechnikov has continued to provide the needed offence as the Canes’ power forward. While his previous game saw a slight dip, the same could be said for much of the offence and is something which should be corrected in the upcoming game.
As for New Jersey, the top two picks we’re looking at are Stefan Noesen and Jesper Bratt. Stefan Noesen sits only one goal behind Nico Hischier, who currently leads the team in goals. He has only gotten three goals this month, but those three have been in the past four games. Jesper Bratt is a similar case, having scored three goals this month, though those goals were several games ago.
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Main Photo: Ed Mulholland-Imagn Images
The post NHL Predictions: Dec. 27 Carolina Hurricanes VS. New Jersey Devils appeared first on Last Word On Hockey.