Carolina Hurricanes' Andrei Svechnikov, center, celebrates his goal with Jesperi Kotkaniemi (82) and Taylor Hall (71) during the third period of Game 1 of an NHL hockey Stanley Cup first-round playoff series against the New Jersey Devils in Raleigh, N.C., Sunday, April 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Karl DeBlaker) AP

My Devils vs. Hurricanes predictions expect a more competitive Game 2 in the cards with Timo Meier playing a key role for the road team. Let’s dive deeper into my April 22 NHL picks. The Carolina Hurricanes were the much better team in Game 1, overwhelming the New Jersey Devils with constant pressure in a convincing 4-1 victory.

The Devils have returned to the playoffs after an absence last season; what are their dream and nightmare scenarios?