As the Carolina Hurricanes and New Jersey Devils prepare to clash in the first round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs, the health of key players will undoubtedly play a significant role in determining the outcome of this Metro Division showdown.

The Significant Loss of Jack Hughes

The New Jersey Devils face a considerable hurdle heading into this series with the confirmed absence of their dynamic forward, Jack Hughes. The 23-year-old center, who had another stellar regular season with 75 points (27 goals, 48 assists) in just 62 games, underwent shoulder surgery that has sidelined him for the remainder of the playoffs.

The impact of Hughes’ absence on the Devils cannot be overstated. Without Hughes in the lineup, the Devils lose their leading scorer and a player who can single-handedly change the momentum of a game. His absence forces other players to step up and fill the void, putting added pressure on the likes of Jesper Bratt, Nico Hischier, and Timo Meier to shoulder more of the offensive burden. Even with Hughes, I think the Canes still have the upper hand, but without him, they’re definitely shorthanded.

Keys to the Series:

1. Carolina’s Timely Acquisitions:

Despite Rantanen being flipped before the deadline and the loss of Necas and Drury, the Hurricanes made several strategic acquisitions throughout the season that could prove pivotal in the playoffs:

• Taylor Hall: Acquired in the initial Rantanen trade, Hall brings a wealth of playoff experience and offensive pedigree. His ability to create scoring chances and his veteran presence in the locker room could be invaluable in tight playoff games. His biggest impact, beyond his killer scoring instinct, is his power play entry, which has been a sore spot for the Canes.
• Logan Stankoven: Stankoven is a highly touted prospect who made his NHL debut late in the season. His energy, skill, and offensive instincts could provide a spark and depth scoring for the Hurricanes if he finds his way into the lineup.
• Mark Jankowski: A versatile forward who can play in various roles, Jankowski brings size and a responsible two-way game. He has been scoring well since being traded and even filled in on the penalty kill when Staal was on the injury list at the end of the year.

2. Goaltending Stability:

As mentioned earlier, the Hurricanes’ goaltending situation is a key storyline. The health and performance of Frederik Andersen and Pyotr Kochetkov will be under the microscope.

• Frederik Andersen: Freddie has been shaky this year and was one of the weaker spots in our loss to the Rangers last year (especially in Game 6). At his best, he can be great, but it’s been a while since we’ve seen that.
• Pyotr Kochetkov: Kochetkov has proven his ability to handle a significant workload and has shown flashes of brilliance. However, playoff hockey brings a different level of intensity and scrutiny.

I expect Freddie to get the start in Game 1, but we could see a rotation if Freddie is not lights out.

3. Special Teams Battle:

The special teams matchup between these two teams presents a fascinating contrast:

• Carolina Hurricanes Penalty Kill: The Hurricanes boast the best penalty kill in the entire NHL. Their disciplined structure, aggressive shorthanded play, and goaltending have made them incredibly difficult to score against when down a man. This strength will be crucial against the Devils’ potent power play.
• New Jersey Devils Power Play: Despite the loss of Jack Hughes, the Devils still possess a dangerous power play that ranked among the top in the league during the regular season (3rd overall). Players like Jesper Bratt, Nico Hischier, and Timo Meier are all capable of making plays and scoring with the man advantage.

The Hurricanes’ ability to continue their stellar penalty-killing performance will be vital in neutralizing a key weapon for the Devils. Conversely, while the Hurricanes’ power play (ranked 25th) has room for improvement, finding ways to capitalize on their opportunities with the man advantage could provide crucial goals in a tight-checking playoff series. Winning the special teams battle could very well be the difference between advancing and going home.

Prediction

Not that I’m biased here or anything…. I think the Canes will win this in 5.