Carolina Hurricanes vs New Jersey Devils: Predictions, Odds and Roster Notes

Where: Prudential Center – Newark, NJ.

When: Sunday, February 10, 3PM EST.

How (TV/Radio): MSG, FSCR | WFAN

Carolina Hurricanes (Away)

Head Coach: Rod Brind’Amour {All-Time 26-21-6 CAR}

Rod Brind’Amour’s Carolina Hurricanes have had their ups and downs this season, but after starting this road trip with a 4-0 shutout victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins, and going 6-3-1 in their last ten games, the Canes seem to be buckling down and playing stronger knowing that they are currently only three points back of a playoff spot. They have a chance to get two points closer against a New Jersey team that has suffered in the league’s basement for most of the season.

Carolina’s pressure will mean everything in this game. If the Devils play goaltender Corey Schneider as expected, the Hurricane’s first-overall rank for shots on goal should be the difference maker. And ironically enough, the Canes also rank first in the league for allowing the fewest shots against. If the offense can stay as awake as they were to start the road trip against the Penguins, this game could potentially turn into a blowout.

The Hurricanes are also coming in to this game much more healthy that their opponents. Although playing without star forward Jordan Staal is challenging, the Canes seem to have adjusted and can take some comfort in knowing that some of New Jersey’s best players will not be on the ice for this game.

Goalie Petr Mrazek, who is 11-11-3 on the season, is expected to get the start in the crease for Carolina. Mrazek boasts a 2.82 goals against average and .894 save percentage with one shutout this season.

New Jersey Devils (Home)

Head Coach: John Hynes {All-Time 130-130-38 NJD}

This is not a good matchup for the Devils. After losing 5-1 to the Los Angeles Kings and having to face the second-place ranked New York Islanders the day before the Carolina matchup, New Jersey’s luck doesn’t seem primed to change any time soon.

In a piece of good news for the Devils, defenseman Ben Lovejoy was activated from injured reserve last Thursday and should give the the team an extremely necessary defensive boost. However, d-man Sami Vatanen is still listed as day-to-day with a concussion and has no timetable set for a return.

After completing a conditioning stint in the AHL, starting goaltender Corey Schneider is expected to return between the pipes for new Jersey in this matchup. Schneider is 0-5-1 this season. He has a 4.66 goals against average and .852 save percentage.

Their home-ice play is the only advantage that the Devils truly have in this game

The Devils managed to shutout the Carolina Hurricanes 2-0 the last time these two teams met back on December 29, 2018.

What’s At Stake?

Every game is important for the Carolina Hurricanes from this point out. They are .500 when playing on the road this season and, on a trip like this, they need to get as many wins as possible. Currently sitting in tenth-place in the East, the Canes are only three points out of a playoff position.

The Devils brass, however, seems to be becoming more and more complacent on rebuilding and trading for future assets. The trading of Brian Boyle to Nashville for a second-round draft pick seems to further strengthen this argument. New Jersey has a better chance at a top-three first-round draft pick than a playoff spot this year.

Questions to answer

How will Devils’ goalie Corey Schneider handle his first NHL start in weeks against the highest shooting team in the league?

Will the return of defenseman Ben Lovejoy to New Jersey’s lineup be enough of a boost for the Devils to steal a win?

Can Carolina’s young guns continue to fire on all cylinders and continue setting career highs?

Carolina Hurricanes Injury Report

F Jordan Staal – IR (upper-body)

New Jersey Devils Injury Report

D Sami Vatanen – IR (concussion)

F Stefan Noesen – IR (lower-body)

F Taylor Hall – IR (lower-body)

F Joey Anderson – IR (fractured ankle)

Carolina Hurricanes at New Jersey Devils Predictions and Odds

The odds will be updated as they are made available.