The Devils were punched in the mouth in Game #1, but can they get up off the mat for Game #2? Let’s dive into the matchup in this game preview.
The Essentials
Matchup: The New Jersey Devils (42-33-7) at the Carolina Hurricanes (47-30-5)
Date: April 22nd, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM ET
Broadcast: ESPN, MSGSN, SN360, TVAS2, FDSNSO
Listen: Devils Hockey Network
The Series Preview
For a complete breakdown of this series and more in-depth information, check out John’s Playoff Series Preview.
Lineups
New Jersey Devils
New Jersey’s lineup depends on player availability following the injuries from Game #1. The Devils saw Brenden Dillon, Luke Hughes, and Cody Glass all exit due to injury during Sunday’s game at one point or another. Hughes returned and did not seem overly impacted by any ailment. Dillon and Glass did not. There were no injury updates on Monday.
Sheldon Keefe says that right now his injured players from yesterday continue to be evaluated. They’re not ruling anyone out at this time for Game 2.#NJDevils
— Amanda Stein (@amandacstein) April 21, 2025
Based on Sheldon Keefe’s post-game comments, Dillon may have been kept out of the game for precautionary reasons, but he did want to return to the game.
Sheldon Keefe says Brenden Dillon was “eager to get back out there” after he left with an injury but was held back by team doctors.
No update on Cody Glass right now. #NJDevils
— Amanda Stein (@amandacstein) April 20, 2025
The Devils adjusted their lines in the third period, which was their only decent period, so one might assume Keefe would replicate those lines to start Game #2. Here are the adjusted lines, which are subject to change based on availability.
Palat-Hischier-Meier
Haula-Mercer-Bratt
Cotter-Glass-Noesen
Sprong-Dowling-Bastian— Amanda Stein (@amandacstein) April 20, 2025
If, for whatever reason, Keefe reverts back to his original lines from Game 1, here is what that would look like.
No changes for #NJDevils from yesterday’s rushes.
Devils preparing to leave for Raleigh after practice with Game 1 set for tomorrow afternoon.
Here’s how it’s all rolling out today: pic.twitter.com/BcnPaJF0XW
— Amanda Stein (@amandacstein) April 19, 2025
Carolina Hurricanes
Carolina’s lines will also depend on New Jersey’s injury updates. The Hurricanes adjusted their lines in the third to counter New Jersey’s changes, as is the nature of the cat-and-mouse game. Here is how the Hurricanes started the game on Sunday.
The #Canes are practicing at Lenovo Center today, getting ready for tomorrow’s Game 1 vs. New Jersey.
For the first time, Alexander Nikishin is with the group. Understandably, for his first skate, he’s working on the fourth defensive pair with Riley Stillman.
Presumably, Rod… pic.twitter.com/CXiIxllrZj
— Walt Ruff (@WaltRuff) April 19, 2025
Focal Points For Game #2
Learn, but Leave It
The Devils got run over in Game #1 in Raleigh, but that is in the past. That is not to say there are no lessons that MUST be learned from that game, but don’t carry any more than the lessons learned into Game #2. That mindset and message is as much for The People Who Matter as the team, coaching staff, or anyone else. There was plenty of frustration in the gamethread and comments sections about Sunday’s game. I contributed to it, but it does no good. Make the adjustments and move forward.
Rinse and Repeat
John covered Carolina’s style of play in detail in the Playoff Series Preview. Jackson discussed it in Sunday’s game recap. The Hurricanes play the equivalent of a full-court press and take a volume approach to shooting the puck. The Devils need to provide their puck carriers with support and quick-passing options from goal line to goal line, be it the defenseman on the breakouts, forwards moving neutral zone or forechecking. The Devils must use their speed and put forth the effort to win more puck battles. The challenges presented by Carolina haven’t changed through five games this season (or since Rod Brind’Amour took over the helm) and won’t change for Game #2. Will New Jersey’s approach change in Game #2?
Your Thoughts
What adjustments do the Devils need to make for Game #2? Does New Jersey have the ability or personnel to make adjustments? Can they find a way to put shots on the net? Provide your thoughts in the comments section below.