The first-round playoff matchup between the Carolina Hurricanes and New Jersey Devils promises intensity, rekindling an old rivalry. Historically, the two teams have met frequently in the post-season, with the Devils being the most common opponent for the Hurricanes. This series arrives after a competitive regular-season where both teams exchanged wins, displaying high physicality and exciting gameplay. With the Hurricanes holding a significant home-ice advantage and the Devils showcasing a better road record, expectations are high for an electrifying series.
By the Numbers, the Devils have a first-round success rate of 47.83% since their relocation, while the Hurricanes boast a 72.73% success rate. Carolina has a home record of 31-9-1 this season, leading the league in home wins. The Hurricanes have dominated possession, spending nearly 10 more minutes in the Devils' offensive zone. New Jersey has a combined Goals Against Average of 2.51 and has recorded nine shutouts this season.
As the series unfolds, adjustments in gameplay will be crucial, particularly for Carolina to maintain consistency throughout all periods. New Jersey’s goaltending will be pivotal, especially with star player Jack Hughes sidelined. The Devils are entering their playoff series against the Hurricanes short-handed without Hughes, which poses a significant challenge for the team.
That's where Devils' winger Jesper Bratt comes in. The 26-year-old Swedish forward has stepped up in Hughes' absence to lead the team in scoring during the regular season. Bratt recorded 21 goals, 67 assists, and 88 points in 81 games, marking the fourth consecutive season he eclipsed the 70-point mark and the second straight 80+ point season. Over the past two seasons, Bratt has become one of the most underrated and overlooked stars in the NHL, with elite offensive production.
All advanced metrics show that Bratt is a play driver. The Devils routinely create and finish more scoring chances at even strength and on the power play with him on the ice. MoneyPuck's data revealed that the Devils controlled 58% of the shot attempts and scored 61% of the goals at 5-on-5 with Bratt on the ice. Recently, the Devils' Head Coach Sheldon Keefe referred to Bratt as a "focal point" of the Hurricanes' defense in this series. That makes complete sense, as he, Devils captain Nico Hischier, and winger Timo Meier are the top offensive threats to monitor.
If the Canes find a way to stifle Bratt's offensive production, it will certainly give them a leg up in the series. However, what the Canes must also account for is Bratt's shutdown defense. Not only is he an 80-point scorer, but he's arguably the team's top penalty killer. He possesses All-Star speed and can anticipate plays in the defensive zone with incredible accuracy. The Devils' penalty killing unit successfully defended over 82% of the power plays against them, finishing second in the NHL during the regular season.
The Hurricanes are favored to win the series 4-2, backed by stronger home performance and historical success against the Devils. However, unexpected playoff dynamics mean both teams must adapt swiftly to secure advancement. The Devils enter this series as the underdogs, but that is something Bratt is used to. The former sixth-round draft pick has been shocking the world his entire career, and he has the chance to do so once again in the opening-round series against the Hurricanes.
As the series gets underway, the intensity is palpable, and the stakes couldn't be higher. Fans are eager to see how both teams will respond to the pressure, and which players will rise to the occasion in this classic playoff battle.
