The NHL regular season kicks off with an exciting game between the New Jersey Devils and the Carolina Hurricanes. Set to take place at the Lenovo Center, fans can catch the action on ESPN+ on Thursday, October 9, 2025, at 7:30 PM. Both teams are looking to start the season on a high note after mixed results in the previous year.
Under the guidance of head coach Sheldon Keefe, the New Jersey Devils finished last season with a 42-33-7 record. Despite a decent regular season showing, their postseason run was cut short in the first round with a 1-4 series loss. As they embark on a new campaign, the Devils aim to build on their Eastern Metropolitan third-place division finish.
Meanwhile, the Carolina Hurricanes, led by head coach Rod Brind’Amour, concluded their previous season with a 47-30-5 record. The Hurricanes advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals, only to fall short against their opponents. With a favorable moneyline odds advantage at -157, they are considered the favorites in this opening game.
Hurricanes vs Devils At a Glance
- Game Date & Time: Thursday, October 9, 2025 at 7:30 PM
- Venue: Lenovo Center
- TV Channel: ESPN+
- Away Team Coach: Sheldon Keefe leads the New Jersey Devils
- Home Team Coach: Rod Brind’Amour is at the helm for the Carolina Hurricanes
- Game Odds: Carolina Hurricanes are favorites with a MoneyLine of -157
Hurricanes Prepare to Start the Season with Optimism
Offensive Dynamics
The Carolina Hurricanes are poised to kick off their regular season with Sebastian Aho leading the charge. Aho, who played 79 games last season, recorded 74 points with 29 goals and 45 assists. His contributions on the ice are crucial as the Hurricanes look to set the tone early in the season.
Seth Jarvis is another key player for Carolina, bringing youthful energy and skill. In his 73 appearances last season, he netted 32 goals and had 35 assists, resulting in 67 points. His physical presence was also notable with 93 hits.
Nikolaj Ehlers will be an important asset on the left wing. Ehlers’ previous season saw him score 24 goals and 39 assists in 69 games, culminating in 63 points. His ability to maneuver and create scoring opportunities is vital for the Hurricanes’ offensive plans.
Defensive Strength
Shayne Gostisbehere brings defensive reliability and playmaking ability to the team. Over 70 games last season, he scored 7 goals and provided 38 assists. His 66 blocks highlight his defensive contribution, providing a solid foundation at the back.
Andrei Svechnikov is a force on the right wing, known for both his scoring and physical play. He amassed 48 points through 20 goals and 28 assists in 72 games, and his 148 hits demonstrate his toughness on the ice.
Goaltending Insights
Between the pipes, Pyotr Kochetkov is expected to lead the goaltending duties. Last season, he posted 27 wins in 47 games, with 1052 saves and 2 shutouts, making him a reliable last line of defense for Carolina.
Frederik Andersen also plays a crucial role as a backup goalie, providing depth in net. In 22 appearances last season, Andersen recorded 13 wins and made 491 saves, maintaining a steady presence when called upon.
Team Betting Trends
- SU All Games: 42-30 (58.3%)
- SU as Favorite: 40-26 (60.6%)
- SU as Underdog: 2-4 (33.3%)
- Puckline All Games: 40-32 (55.6%)
- Puckline as Favorite: 39-27 (59.1%)
- Puckline as Underdog: 1-5 (16.7%)
- O/U All Games: 28-44 (38.9%)
The Devils’ Season Opener: New Jersey Devils Ready for 2025-26 NHL Campaign
Jesper Bratt’s Offensive Impact
Jesper Bratt is set to play a crucial role in the Devils’ offense this season, coming off an impressive previous season with 88 points in 81 games. His ability to contribute both goals and assists makes him a versatile threat on the ice.
With 21 goals and 67 assists, Bratt will be expected to lead the charge for the Devils as they aim to kick off the season with a victory against the Hurricanes.
Center Depth: Hughes and Hischier
Jack Hughes brings dynamic playmaking to the center position, having accumulated 70 points in 62 games last season. His speed and vision are key assets that the Devils will rely on against the Hurricanes.
Nico Hischier, another central figure in the Devils’ lineup, had an impressive 69-point season, highlighting his balanced scoring and defensive capabilities. Together, Hughes and Hischier provide the Devils with formidable depth down the middle.
Strength on the Wings: Timo Meier
Timo Meier’s physical play and scoring ability on the right wing are essential to the Devils’ offensive strategy. Last season, he recorded 53 points and delivered 141 hits, showcasing his dual-threat potential.
Meier’s presence on the ice not only bolsters the scoring options but also adds a physical edge that can disrupt opponents’ defensive plans.
Defensive Contributions: Luke Hughes
Luke Hughes brings solid defensive skills combined with offensive contributions from the blue line. With 44 points and 60 blocks in 71 games, he is a key part of the Devils’ defensive core.
His ability to transition from defense to offense will be crucial in maintaining pressure on the Hurricanes and generating scoring opportunities.
Goalie Situation: Jacob Markstrom
Jacob Markstrom is expected to anchor the Devils’ goaltending, entering the season following a performance of 26 wins in 49 games. Although his save percentage has been modest, his experience and stability are vital for the team’s success.
The Devils will look to Markstrom to provide solid goaltending as they face the offensive threats posed by the Hurricanes.
Betting Trends for the Devils
- SU Last 3: 0-3 (0.0%)
- SU Last 5: 1-4 (20.0%)
- SU Last 10: 3-7 (30.0%)
- SU All Games: 36-33 (52.2%)
- SU as Favorite: 30-24 (55.6%)
- SU as Underdog: 6-9 (40.0%)
- Puckline All Games: 37-32 (53.6%)
- O/U All Games: 25-44 (36.2%)
Hurricanes vs Devils Prediction: Over 5.5
The Carolina Hurricanes and New Jersey Devils are set to open their regular season, and both teams are looking to start strong. Last season, both teams had above-average offensive outputs, with the Hurricanes finishing with a record of 47-30-5 and the Devils 42-33-7. Given their ability to score and the lack of confirmed starting goalies, this game could see plenty of goals.
Looking at their previous performances, the Hurricanes had several high-scoring games in the preseason, which suggests they are capable of putting pucks in the net. Meanwhile, the Devils have made roster changes that could inject fresh energy and offensive capability into their lineup. With both teams eager to assert dominance early, goals may come in bunches.
The over/under for this game is set at 5.5, with the over slightly favored at -123. Historically, both teams have shown a tendency to engage in games that exceed this threshold, making the over a reasonable choice. The Devils have shown a strong commitment to offensive play, which aligns with the Hurricanes’ scoring potential.
Given the circumstances and previous patterns, this game could realistically end with a score like Devils 4 – Hurricanes 3. This outcome would support the over 5.5 pick, as both teams are equipped to exploit defensive lapses and capitalize on scoring opportunities.
- Hurricanes vs Devils Prediction: Over 5.5
- Hurricanes vs Devils Score: Devils 4 – Hurricanes 3
