G22 New Jersey Devils vs. Carolina Hurricanes: Collision course

If the Devils are to seriously contend for a Metro Division title, they'll have to go through the Hurricanes.

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A few notes to get you set for the New Jersey Devils’ return to action against the Carolina Hurricanes:

Unstoppable force vs. immovable object 🪨

There is a lot to look forward to in a battle between division rivals and two of the best teams in the NHL.

One matchup I’m especially excited about is the Sebastian Aho line against the shutdown pairing of Jonas Siegenthaler and Johnathan Kovacevic.

Aho is flanked by a pair of wingers who don’t necessarily pop off the page in Jordan Martinook and Jack Roslovic. Don’t let the lack of name brand talent fool you – this line looks to be lethal.

The Hurricanes controlled 64% of the xG share and scored nearly five goals per 60 minutes with Aho and Martinook on the ice together last season.

Meanwhile, the Aho-Roslovic duo has been lethal this year and Roslovic sits tied with Alex Ovechkin for 3rd in the NHL in 5v5 goals as a result. This trio should be very good together.

They are likely to see a lot of the Siegenthaler - Kovacevic line that has been lights out defensively all season long. That duo has held opponents to 1.58 xG per 60, good for 6/87 pairings that have spent 100 minutes together thus far.

Siegenthaler and Kovacevic are spending the majority of their minutes against the best of the best. It’s not like they’re just neutering mid-tier players – they’re consistently getting it done in the toughest minutes possible.

If Siegenthaler and Kovacevic can answer the bell in this tough matchup, the Devils will be in great shape.

Noesen a key cog ⚙️