The New Jersey Devils will take on the Carolina Hurricanes on March 28, 2026, at the Lenovo Center. This matchup is crucial for the Devils, who currently hold a record of 37-32-2, while the Hurricanes boast an impressive 45-20-6 record, placing them first in the Eastern Conference with 96 points.
Leading the Hurricanes is Sebastian Aho, who has recorded 72 points this season, including 25 goals and 47 assists over 71 games. His performance has been a significant factor in the team’s success. In contrast, the Devils’ Jesper Bratt has also had a strong season, totaling 61 points with 19 goals and 42 assists.
In goal, the Hurricanes’ Brandon Bussi has conceded 82 goals, maintaining a goals-against average of 2.5 and an .895 save percentage, ranking 37th in the league. Meanwhile, the Devils’ Jacob Markstrom has struggled, allowing 118 goals and holding an .884 save percentage, which ranks 57th in the league.
The Devils’ season has taken a downturn after a promising start, leaving them in 13th place in the Eastern Conference with 76 points. Their playoff hopes are dwindling, making this game against the Hurricanes a must-win if they want to keep their postseason aspirations alive.
Injuries have also impacted both teams. The Hurricanes will be without Pyotr Kochetkov due to a hip injury, while Zack MacEwen is out for the season with an ACL injury. These absences could play a role in the outcome of the game.
As the game approaches, observers are keen to see if the Devils can turn their fortunes around against a formidable opponent like the Hurricanes. The stakes are high, and the outcome could significantly affect both teams’ playoff positioning.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding any last-minute changes to the lineups or strategies as the teams prepare for this critical matchup.