Hurricanes vs Devils Odds & Picks – Best Bet for Sunday Afternoon Playoff Hockey

• The New Jersey Devils host the Carolina Hurricanes in Game 3 of their NHL playoff series
• Carolina posted a 6-1 home win on Friday to claim a dominating 2-0 series lead
• Read on for all the odds and trends ahead of Sunday afternoon’s matchup at Prudential Center

The Carolina Hurricanes can push the New Jersey Devils to the brink of elimination from the NHL playoffs with a win on Sunday afternoon when they hit the road for Game 3 of their second-round series. The Hurricanes turned in yet another dominating performance in Friday night’s 6-1 rout of the Devils, and now take a 2-0 series lead into New Jersey for Sunday’s Game 3 matchup.

Start time is set for 3:30 pm ET at Prudential Center, with all the action televised on TBS and Sportsnet.

Hurricanes vs Devils Game 3 Odds

Despite outclassing the Devils in the first two games of the series, the Hurricanes look to Game 3 as +115 road underdogs in the NHL odds. New Jersey leads the way as a slim -135 favorite, while -130 odds favor the total going UNDER 5.5.

BETMGM SPORTSBOOK

Offer

T&Cs

Get Up To $1,500 Paid Back in Bonus Bets if You Don't Win

Not Available in NV, NY, NC or PR.

LOCK IN PROMO

CODE: SBD1500

CODE: SBD1500

SIGNUP BONUS

GET $1,500
BACK

BET NOW

Odds from BetMGM Sportsbook on May 6, 2023.

Devils vs Hurricanes Recent History

Carolina has now topped the Devils in seven of their past nine overall meetings, but have produced mixed results in recent visits to New Jersey, going 2-6 SU over their past eight while scoring two or fewer goals four times over that stretch. Accordingly, the UNDER has paid out in four of six head-to-head dates at Prudential Center.

The Canes’ fast start to the series also extends their historical dominance over New Jersey in playoff action, posting wins in 12 of 16 postseason clashes since 2002. That is reflected in Carolina’s strengthening -500 odds in the NHL playoff series prices, and their climb to the top of the Stanley Cup odds as +250 chalk.

New Jersey Devils Betting Outlook

Once again, the Devils had no answer in response to the Hurricanes’ relentless defensive play and wily veteran experience in Game 2. After failing to cash in on limited opportunities in the opening period, the Devils simply broke down in the face of a 16-shot Carolina onslaught in the middle stanza that powered the Canes to a 4-0 lead.

Vitek Vanecek taking over in net for Devils to begin third period.

Akira Schmid pulled for second consecutive game and third time in four games.

— Tom Gulitti (@TomGulittiNHL) May 6, 2023

For the third time in these playoffs, Akira Schmid was chased from the Devils’ goal after allowing four goals on 25 shots through 40 minutes of play. And Vitek Vanecek provided little improvement, giving up two goals on eight shots in the final frame.

Timo Meier saw his first action of the series in Game 2, and led the club with five shots on goal. However, Meier remains pointless so far in the playoffs. Jack Hughes recorded four shots, but saw his goal-scoring slump extend to five games.

Carolina Hurricanes Betting Outlook

The Hurricanes faced a major concern on offense while entering the playoffs without Andrei Svechnikov, Teuvo Teravainen, and Max Pacioretty in the lineup.

However, the supporting cast has stepped up to fill the void. On Friday night, it was Jesperi Kotkaniemi’s turn. The Finnish forward opened the scoring with a pair of goals just 2:23 apart early in the second period, and has now scored three times in the series.

"He's just so calm and cool in net."

Freddie Andersen made some big stops for the @Canes tonight.@JamisonCoyle | #NeverCompromise | #StanleyCup pic.twitter.com/EaDhgfmCYp

— NHL Network (@NHLNetwork) May 6, 2023

Veteran journeyman Stefan Noeson potted his third goal of the playoffs and now has two points in the series, and Jordan Martinook’s two-point performance gives him four points so far in the series.

Equally important has been the continued steady play of goaltender Frederik Andersen, who has buried the memory of past postseason failures by stopping 78 of 81 shots he has faced in three playoff outings to date including a rock-solid 28-save performance in Game 2.

Devils vs Hurricanes Game 3 Prediction

Given how dominant the Hurricanes were in Games 1 and 2, it is somewhat surprising to see them sporting positive odds going into Game 3 against a Devils squad clearly in disarray. Frustrated by the Canes’ disciplined defensive play and opportunistic offense, the Devils have not been able to rely on goaltending while attempting to open things up.

Yes, New Jersey has won seven of nine at home including back-to-back shutouts of the New York Rangers in the first round. But rediscovering that magic is unlikely against Carolina, which offers big value as a road underdog, with the best bet being a Hurricanes’ win by a multi-goal margin.

The Pick: Hurricanes -1.5 (+250); OVER 5.5 (+105)