New Jersey Devils vs. Carolina Hurricanes, Picks and Prediction, Thursday, October 9, 2025

A Metro division showdown goes down on Thursday, October 9, as the New Jersey Devils take on the Carolina Hurricanes at 7:30 p.m. ET. It serves as the first game of the 2025-26 NHL season for both teams. Continue reading for our Devils vs. Hurricanes prediction.

Devils Have Stanley Cup Expectations

New Jersey enters the season as one of the Cup favorites, as the Devils have been one of the top teams in the NHL for a couple of years now. New Jersey added some secondary scoring this offseason with Connor Brown and Evgeni Dadonov, while the Devils have a healthy Jack Hughes (70 pts), who could be the difference this season. They bring back forwards Jesper Bratt (88 pts), Nico Hischier (69) and Timo Meier (53).

New Jersey is expected to have veteran defenseman Brett Pesce, formerly of Carolina, who missed some time after an injury during a preseason game.

The Devils are set to start Jacob Markstrom in goal, who went 26-16-6 with a 2.50 GAA and a .900 SV% last season. In his career against Carolina, Markstrom is 9-5-1 with a 2.36 GAA and a .922 SV%.

Hurricanes Looking to Build Off Last Year

Carolina made it to the Eastern Conference Finals last season but lost to the Florida Panthers. The Hurricanes eliminated the Devils in the playoffs. The Hurricanes are expected to start Frederik Andersen, who went 13-8-1 with a 2.50 GAA and a .899 SV% last season. In his career against New Jersey, Andersen is 7-2 with a 2.11 GAA and a .934 SV%.

The Hurricanes were active this offseason as Carolina added winger Nikolaj Ehlers (24g, 39a) and defenseman K'Andre Miller as their big moves. Carolina also inked Logan Stankoven and Jackson Blake to a contract extension. The core of their offense is also back led by Sebastian Aho (74 points) and leading goal scorer Seth Jarvis (32g).

Devils vs. Hurricanes Pick

Money Line pick for Devils vs. Hurricanes

• Hurricanes ML -162 (5 units)

Carolina and New Jersey are both expected to be playoff teams this season, but this is a good spot to take the Hurricanes to win the season opener. Carolina was great at home last season and added some more offense in Ehlers in this offseason, which was an issue for the team last season. Expect Andersen to also continue his success against the Devils en route to a win here.

Over/Under Pick for Devils vs. Hurricanes

• Under 5.5 -102 (4 units)

The under is also a good spot here, as Markstrom and Andersen are two great goalies who should limit the offense. New Jersey also plays strong defensively, so they won't give up a ton of chances. Andersen and Markstrom are two of the top goalies who will help the under cash.