Apr 29, 2025; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Hurricanes proper wing Jackson Blake (53) and New Jersey Devils left wing Erik Haula (56) battle through the third interval in sport 5 of the primary spherical of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Lenovo Middle. Necessary Credit score: James Guillory-Imagn Photos There is no sense in easing into the season and that should not be the case for the New Jersey Devils and Carolina Hurricanes.
They meet in a rematch of the 2025 postseason after they open their seasons in opposition to one another Thursday evening in Raleigh, N.C.
“You have to be dialed in the entire time,” Hurricanes coach Rod Brind’Amour mentioned. “That is the problem, staying targeted and being the most effective day-after-day and never worrying in regards to the huge image.”
The Devils and Hurricanes met in final spring’s playoffs, with Carolina advancing in 5 video games within the Jap Convention’s first spherical. The groups break up a pair of extra time leads to the collection, however Carolina gained all three video games on residence ice.
Whereas the Devils had been knocked out within the first spherical, the Hurricanes superior to the Jap Convention finals earlier than shedding to eventual Stanley Cup champion Florida.
“We’ll definitely get an ideal check proper off the bat,” Brind’Amour mentioned. “There’s nonetheless a lot to go over and get reps at it. You actually wish to get going. Guys are actually itching.”
The Devils’ lineup is anticipated to incorporate defenseman Brett Pesce, a former Carolina participant, although he missed time after an harm throughout a preseason sport final week. He’ll be in his 700th sport the following time he is on the ice.
“I really feel nice,” Pesce mentioned. “Able to roll.”
The Devils have their high 5 scorers from final season returning in forwards Jesper Bratt (88 factors), Jack Hughes (70), Nico Hischier (69), Timo Meier (53) and defenseman Luke Hughes (44).
There could possibly be loads of eyes on Devils winger Arseny Gritsyuk as he’ll be set for his NHL debut.
“You’ve got acquired a man who’s attempting to get adjusted,” New Jersey coach Sheldon Keefe mentioned. “Because the season goes alongside as everybody will get extra confidence and cozy (we’ll broaden roles) … You’ll be able to’t get all of it in within the preseason.”
Carolina has the core of its offense returning, with factors chief Sebastian Aho (74 factors) and targets chief Seth Jarvis (32 targets). Goaltenders Frederik Andersen and Pyotr Kochetkov are additionally again within the nets, whereas defenseman Jaccob Slavin anchors the blue line.
The Hurricanes will likely be all for seeing how winger Nikolaj Ehlers, who had 24 targets and 39 assists final season for Winnipeg, and defenseman Okay’Andre Miller — a pair of newcomers — slot in. These gamers will not be locked into line mixtures or pairings.
“It is going to change so much,” Brind’Amour mentioned of some pairings. “Clearly, we have a pair new guys, and we’ve got to determine how they mesh.”
There’s additionally the matter of assessing the additional growth of defenseman Alexander Nikishin, who made his NHL debut within the spring. Brind’Amour mentioned it is doubtless that Nikishin could be eased into any particular groups’ roles if he earns these.
The Hurricanes are hoping defenseman Jalen Chatfield is prepared after he missed weekend work.
“We’ll see the place we go,” Brind’Amour mentioned of Chatfield.
Carolina solely has two residence video games within the first 2 1/2 weeks of the season, so beginning sturdy in entrance of residence followers could be ideally suited. The Devils play their first three video games on the highway.
–Area Degree Media
