Series Talk: [M2] Carolina Hurricanes Vs [M3] New Jersey Devils (CAR Leads 2-0)

[Zippy316]

Had the Devils been fully healthy, this would've been a much more intriguing matchup. It is a shame the injuries and setbacks they have faced, I think they could've made some noise in the playoffs otherwise. Exciting young team but it is not their time yet.

Even if healthy, the lack of depth scoring is their biggest downfall.

At least if they’re healthy, Hughes slots everyone properly down a line. It still doesn’t hide the fact that Mercer, Palat, Tatar, Haula, and everyone else outside of Hischier, Bratt, and Meier have been extremely underwhelming offensively.

Without Hughes, it just becomes more apparent. Easier for the Hurricanes to target one line (presumably Hischier’s) and take their chances that the rest of the lineup won’t beat them. I do wonder if the Devils spread Hischier, Bratt, and Meier across three different lines for that reason.

 

[Oneiro]

Yeah, even before the injuries to Siegenthaler and Hughes, I don't think NJ was going to make noise. Way too top heavy scoring wise. Noesen and Cotter gave you a full year's worth of jump in the first three months of the season, then disappeared. Palat and Haula are both basically done offensively.

I think this will be an ugly series in a lot of ways, but Canes on top.

 

[BHD]

Earlier in the season, the Devils managed to play flawless defense (and got reliable goaltending) to balance their scoring issues. That seems like a tough ask at this point.

 

[My3Sons]

The voting is interesting. The Canes are the obvious heavy favorite but if the series were to go 7 games the basic outlook is split in that instance. I guess at that point it would mean NJ managed to overcome its consistency issues to push the Canes.

 

[Vergil]

Without Jack, this is gonna be almost impossible.

I voted Devils in 7 because that's what I WANT to happen, but logically, I believe Carolina will stomp them in 5. I kind of hope the Devils are humiliated and they move on from Dougie.

 

[My3Sons]

Without Jack, this is gonna be almost impossible.

I voted Devils in 7 because that's what I WANT to happen, but logically, I believe Carolina will stomp them in 5. I kind of hope the Devils are humiliated and they move on from Dougie.

If NJ gets swept I doubt Hamilton will be the scapegoat. He’s just returning from injury and you expect some rust.

 

[Bunch of Jurcos]

One of these years it will be NJ's time but I don't think this is the year. We're their boogeyman like the Rangers are for us, and they are for the Rangers.

 

[WhiskeyYerTheDevils]

If NJ gets swept I doubt Hamilton will be the scapegoat. He’s just returning from injury and you expect some rust.

I dunno, he's historically been awful in the playoffs. If we get swept he may play a big part in that.

Hoping he comes in rested and booms in like 5 goals though.

 

[My3Sons]

I dunno, he's historically been awful in the playoffs. If we get swept he may play a big part in that.

Hoping he comes in rested and booms in like 5 goals though.

You participate in the NJ threads enough to know who will be thrashed by the usual posters. There will be a bit of Hamilton criticism but again, what do you expect with a guy who is returning from being off with a serious injury for that long? Beyond that, I thought he was pretty good against the Rangers in their last playoff appearance? Am I recalling that wrong? At my advanced age it's possible.

 

[Whaddagoal]

You participate in the NJ threads enough to know who will be thrashed by the usual posters. There will be a bit of Hamilton criticism but again, what do you expect with a guy who is returning from being off with a serious injury for that long? Beyond that, I thought he was pretty good against the Rangers in their last playoff appearance? Am I recalling that wrong? At my advanced age it's possible.

I agree. Dougie was fine in the Rangers series, then he hurt his wrist late in the series, and was a gimp by Canes series.

No one will blame Dougie, unless he singlehandedly scores some goals on his own net.

(Your advanced age may be a factor too, but, that is another story)

(And if our boards history shows us anything, the usual suspects will get blamed: Markstrom, Dillon, Haula, Mercer, Timo, Luke, Bratt, Nico, in that order, oh and Palat, ummmm Palat somewhere between Dillon and Timo)

 

[WhiskeyYerTheDevils]

You participate in the NJ threads enough to know who will be thrashed by the usual posters. There will be a bit of Hamilton criticism but again, what do you expect with a guy who is returning from being off with a serious injury for that long? Beyond that, I thought he was pretty good against the Rangers in their last playoff appearance? Am I recalling that wrong? At my advanced age it's possible.

He was okay vs the rangers, scored that big goal.

 

[JasonDemersWasOkay]

Don’t have a great feeling about this for the devils. Never been swept but wouldn’t be surprised if this is the first time.. I think Canes in 5 but hoping it’s more competitive

 

[Zalos]

I went with Hurricanes in 6.

I probably would have picked NJ if they were fully healthy.

 

[614 CBJ]

The Devils better prepare for Brind'amour........Skyler

He was impressive last night

 

[Power Surge]

This series will be a laugher. The Devils are not a very strong team.

I beg to differ.

 

[SanDogBrewin]

Canes in 5 games. Just too much firepower.

 

[RANDOMH3RO]

The Hurricanes have the no1 pk.

Their pp is weak.

How do the Devils rank?

Devils are 3rd in the league on the power play and 2nd to the canes on the penalty kill. Best special teams team in the league this year by combined percentages of pp+pk. It’s really their only hope to get by the canes, combined with hopefully some great goaltending from Markstrom.

 

[PizzaAndPucks]

I was suprised to see that the Hurricanes have a pretty underwhelming record on the road. The home ice advantage could be big for them.

The Devils have a better road record then they do at home so that can make things interesting.

 

[Donnie740]

I’m looking forward to another first round flop from Bozo The Keefe.

 

[Sparky]

This series feels like either the best or the worst and I have no clue which way it'll go. Hoping for best.

 

[AirGut]

Devils in 5
CAR is an overhyped muffinshot team,
Even the New York Rangers could beat them, why can't the Devs? It's not 2023, Devils have the experience now.

 

[Johnny Tomala]

(4) Hurricanes in 6 over (7) Devils. 4th seed vs 7th seed.

 

[Big Daddy Cane]

The teams close the season with a combined 4-10-1 record in April.

 

[MikeFolignosHelmet]

Canes have momentum losing 7 of the last 8. Not ideal, but momentum none the less.

 

[A1LeafNation]

I guess Kochetkov is game 1 starter.