Archive note: Technical commentary has been removed. This remains historical pregame coverage; original selections have been retained where stated.
New Jersey Devils vs Carolina Hurricanes Prediction - March 28, 2026
Note: Final picks on our picks page may differ from this article's prediction, as they incorporate last-minute goalie confirmations, injury updates, and live odds closer to game time. Always check the picks page for the most up-to-date selections.
The New Jersey Devils travel to Carolina to face the Hurricanes in what promises to be a tightly contested matchup between two teams in strong form. Our Devils vs Hurricanes prediction leans slightly toward New Jersey, but this is one of the closest calls of the week.
Team Form & Recent Performance
New Jersey has been exceptional lately, posting a 4-1 record over their last five games with no back-to-back concerns entering this contest. The Devils have found their rhythm offensively while maintaining solid defensive structure, and they're arriving in Raleigh with genuine confidence.
Carolina enters with a 3-2 mark in their last five games and enjoys an advantage in terms of rest, having three days between games compared to New Jersey's one day. The Hurricanes' recent form is respectable but slightly less dominant than the Devils' current trajectory. Neither team is fatigued by back-to-back play, so this matchup will be decided by straight-up execution and puck management.
This is where the analysis becomes interesting.
This indicates the Hurricanes have been slightly more efficient at generating dangerous scoring opportunities in recent games. Either way, both teams possess legitimate offensive firepower and sound defensive systems.
Goalie Matchup
Jacob Markstrom (22-16-1) takes the net for New Jersey and has posted a serviceable record this season. Carolina counters with Bussi (26-6-1), who has been one of the better goaltenders in the league with a significantly superior win-loss record. Bussi's credentials give the Hurricanes an edge in this matchup, and his recent form has been outstanding. However, Markstrom has the tools to keep the Devils in any game, and he'll face a motivated offensive unit looking to impose their will early.
Goalscorer Picks
Jack Hughes remains the logical anytime goalscorer pick for New Jersey. For a value play, Jesper Bratt offers intriguing odds given his recent consistency and ability to find loose pucks in the crease.
Sebastian Aho is Carolina's primary offensive weapon and will lead the charge for the home team. Seth Jarvis deserves consideration as a dark horse pick, as he's been generating legitimate scoring chances and offers better value than the chalk options.
Prediction
Our Devils Hurricanes pick favors New Jersey by the slimmest of margins.
Carolina's rest advantage and Bussi's superior record are meaningful, but they're offset by New Jersey's current momentum. This game could go either way, and bettors should approach it accordingly. Run your own prediction with different variables to see how changes affect the outcome.
Note: Final picks on our picks page may differ from this article's prediction, as they incorporate last-minute goalie confirmations, injury updates, and live odds closer to game time. Always check the picks page for the most up-to-date selections.