NHL Odds, Preview, Prediction: Hurricanes vs Devils Game 4 (Tuesday, May 9)

Hurricanes vs. Devils Odds

Game 4 of the NHL Playoffs series between the New Jersey Devils and Carolina Hurricanes is set for Tuesday night. The Devils clawed back into the series with a decisive 8-4 victory Sunday afternoon, but still trail 2-1. New Jersey is tasked with shutting down a Hurricanes' offense that has scored 15 goals through the first three games of the second round. New Jersey is trying to fight fire with fire, leaning into its top-ranked offense. With the advantage of home ice, the Devils can even the series on Tuesday night. Here's a betting preview for Hurricanes vs. Devils Game 4.

Carolina Hurricanes

The Hurricanes have lived up to their namesake, blowing their competition out of the water. However, they've benefitted from playing most of their games at home. The Canes have been outplayed in three of four road games, posting a disappointing 48.7% expected goals-for rating.

Carolina has all but abandoned its defensive responsibility on the road. Opponents have surpassed 12 high-danger chances in three of four outings and are averaging 13.5 opportunities per game. Similarly, scoring chances are out of control as the Hurricanes are allowing an average of 26.8 per game.

The Devils compounded those issues with their first-class performance in Game 3. The Canes were dismantled to the tune of 35 scoring and 20 high-danger chances, resulting in a lopsided 38.0% expected goals-for rating. Although they've made the most of their offensive opportunities, the Hurricanes lack the defensive presence to hamper New Jersey's potent offense.

New Jersey Devils

Sunday's outburst was just the tip of the iceberg for the Devils. New Jersey ended the regular season as the best offensive team in the NHL and set high marks in high-danger and scoring opportunities. The Devils also led the way with 212.3 expected goals for at five-on-five. More importantly, they've maintained that standard throughout the playoffs.

The Devils have eclipsed 11 quality chances in all but three of their 10 playoff games. Moreover, they're averaging a robust 13.0 per game, once again leading the league in chances per game. Still, they are below their regular season five-on-five shooting percentage (8.7%), accumulating a modest 6.7% through the first two rounds. In reconciling their production metrics with output, we could see a sustained bump in scoring.

That surge could continue in Game 4. New Jersey has made the most of its home-ice advantage this year. Besides the first two games of the postseason, the Devils have recorded four or more goals in each game. Further, they've been a much more assertive team at the Prudential Center, averaging 14.4 high-danger chances and 27.2 scoring opportunities per game.

Hurricanes vs. Devils Pick

It may not seem like it at times, but home ice remains a significant advantage in the playoffs. We've seen both teams take advantage of that in this series, posting convincing wins and easily covering the puck line. The Hurricanes may have more fight than we saw in Game 3, but it still won't be enough to contain Jack Hughes and his Devils' teammates. Including the regular season, the home team has won five of the seven matchups between these sides this year. We're betting that trend continues and backing the Devils to prevail.

Pick: New Jersey Moneyline

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