Opinion
3 min read

Hurricanes Set to Blow Past Devils in Raleigh's PNC Arena Showdown

As the Carolina Hurricanes gear up to face the New Jersey Devils at PNC Arena, fans are buzzing with anticipation for what promises to be an electrifying clash. The Hurricanes, coming off a mixed bag of recent performances, have shown both resilience and areas needing improvement that could play pivotal roles in their upcoming game on February 11.


May 11, 2023; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; New Jersey Devils center Jack Hughes (86) skates with the puck against the Carolina Hurricanes during the first period in game five of the second round of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs at PNC Arena. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports

In their last encounter with the New York Islanders on December 24, CAR displayed a formidable powerplay strength but ultimately fell short by one point in a 5-4 loss. Despite outshooting the Islanders with 40 attempts and converting two powerplay opportunities into goals, it was not enough to secure victory. This outcome highlighted both the offensive prowess and defensive vulnerabilities of the Hurricanes.


However, looking back at their performance against the Vegas Golden Knights on December 20 provides a more promising perspective. The Hurricanes dominated with six goals from just 39 shots – an impressive shooting percentage of 15 percent – showcasing their ability to capitalize on scoring chances. Their powerplay was particularly lethal that night, achieving a perfect faceoff win percentage during those opportunities.


May 11, 2023; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Hurricanes players celebrate their overtime victory against the New Jersey Devils in game five of the second round of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs at PNC Arena. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports

The Devils should not be underestimated though; they will enter Raleigh as worthy adversaries. Yet if CAR can harness their demonstrated offensive firepower and tighten up defensively by learning from past mistakes – especially during even-strength play where they've been outscored recently – they stand a good chance of triumphing over NJ.


Special teams could very well be where this game is decided. The Hurricanes' recent powerplay efficiency must continue against New Jersey's penalty kill units for them to tilt the ice in their favor.


May 11, 2023; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; New Jersey Devils center Dawson Mercer (91) celebrates his goal against the Carolina Hurricanes during the first period in game five of the second round of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs at PNC Arena. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports

Fans eagerly awaiting this matchup should mark their calendars for February 11 when these two teams will battle it out at PNC Arena in Raleigh. With puck drop scheduled for just after sunset at local time (7:00 PM EST), supporters can catch all the action live on ESPN+ nationally or tune into BSSO channel 646-1 for local broadcasts or MSGSN channel 635 if following from enemy territory.

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