The NHL returns from its Christmas break with a nearly full slate of games on Friday night. Will Carolina pull off the upset in Friday night’s Hurricanes vs. Devils matchup at 7:00 p.m. ET?
Game Matchup & Betting Odds
Carolina Hurricanes (+110) at New Jersey Devils (-130); o/u 5.5
7:00 p.m. ET, Sunday, December 22, 2024
Prudential Center, Newark, NJ
TV: ESPN+
Hurricanes vs. Devils Public Betting: Bettors Backing New Jersey
As of this writing, our NHL Public Betting Page shows that 63% of bets are on the Devils moneyline. That said, this page is updated frequently so make sure that you click on the link provided to get the most up-to-date public betting information.
Necas enters holiday break on four-game scoring drought
Martin Necas entered the holiday break on a four-game scoring drought. While that’s not a long time to go without a point, it is Necas’ longest cold stretch of the 2024-25 campaign. Before his current stretch, he hadn’t been held off the scoresheet for more than two consecutive games this campaign. His current drought hasn’t done much to dampen what’s been an amazing season — Necas has 14 goals and 44 points through 34 appearances. His next chance to end the slump will come Friday in New Jersey.
Hughes records two goals, nets game-winner
Jack Hughes recorded two goals, including the game-winner, along with an assist in Monday’s 5-0 win over the Rangers. The 23-year-old got the Devils on the board 4:29 into the first period, and that goal stood as the game-winner since New Jersey goalie Jacob Markstrom turned aside all 12 shots he saw. Hughes added a power-play goal midway through the second period. Hughes has been on a roll in the weeks leading up to the NHL’s Christmas break, as he’s now had multi-point performances in seven of his last 12 appearances. The Orlando native led New Jersey’s forwards in ice time during Monday’s comfortable win and should continue to be a focal point when the team resumes play Friday against the Hurricanes.
Hurricanes vs. Devils Betting Trends:
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Carolina’s last 7 games
Carolina is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing New Jersey
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of New Jersey’s last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of New Jersey’s last 5 games at home
Hurricanes vs. Devils Betting Prediction
Take Carolina. Thus far, these two teams have split in their two meetings this season but given Carolina’s track record, I’ll back the underdog today. The Hurricanes have won eight of the previous 10 meetings between these two teams. Thus far, the Hurricanes’ current road trip has gotten off to a bumpy start. That said, I’m banking on them coming out of the break refreshed and ready to play with urgency tonight in Jersey.
Hurricanes vs. Devils Prediction: Carolina Hurricanes +110