Hurricanes vs Devils Prediction 1/4/2026 Today’s NHL Picks

In this article we will formulate a Hurricanes vs Devils prediction for this NHL game on Sunday, January 4th at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this NHL matchup.

Carolina Hurricanes Betting Preview

The Carolina Hurricanes are 24-14-3 this season after they lost to Colorado by a score of 5-3 in their last game. Carolina led 1-0 after the first and 3-1 after the second, but they allowed four goals in the third for the disappointing loss. The Hurricanes were out shot by a total of 34-28, won 37.1% of the face-offs, and went 1-3 on the power play in the game. Carolina got goals from Aho, Ehlers, and Svechnikov, while Andersen stopped 30 out of 34 shots, which was an .882 save percentage. 

Prior to that game, Carolina lost to the Canadiens by a score of 7-5 and the Penguins by a score of 5-1. The Hurricanes have lost three games in a row and they are currently first in the Metro standings with 51 points. Carolina has scored 3.28 goals per game and they have allowed 3.00 goals against per game, while also going 19.0% on the power play and 79.8% on the penalty kill this season. Sebastian Aho has led Carolina with 17 goals and 25 assists, while Andrei Svechnikov has added 12 goals and 19 assists. The projected starting goalie for Carolina is Brandon Bussi, who is 13-2-1 with a 2.33 goals against average and a .901 save percentage this season. 

New Jersey Devils Betting Preview

The New Jersey Devils are 22-17-2 this year after they defeated Utah by a score of 4-1 in their last game. New Jersey scored two goals in the first period and two in the second, before cruising to the win. The Devils were out shot by a total of 31-30, won 51.9% of the face-offs, and went 1-3 on the power play in the game. New Jersey got goals from Bratt, Hischier, Meier, and Hamilton, while Markstom stopped 30 out of 31 shots, which was a .968 save percentage. 

Prior to that game, New Jersey defeated the Blue Jackets by a score of 3-2, but lost to the Maple Leafs by a score of 4-0 before that. The Devils have won two games in a row and they are currently sixth in the Metro standings with 46 points. New Jersey has scored 2.65 goals per game and they have allowed 3.00 goals against per game, while also going 21.4% on the power play and 76.4% on the penalty kill this season. Jesper Bratt has led New Jersey with nine goals and 24 assists, while Nico Hischier has added 12 goals and 20 assists. The projected starting goalie for New Jersey is Jake Allen, who is 11-8-1 with a 2.52 goals against average and a .912 save percentage this year. 

Why the Carolina Hurricanes will win

• The Devils have lost each of their last eight games as home underdogs on the second leg of a back-to-back.
• The Hurricanes have won eight of their last nine games following a home loss.
• The Devils have failed to cover the puck line in each of their last nine home games against Eastern Conference opponents.
• The Hurricanes have covered the puck line in each of their last five games as favorites following a home loss.
• The Devils have lost the second period in six of their last seven games against Metropolitan Division opponents at Prudential Center when leading after the first period.

Total Goals Facts

• Nine of the Devils’ last 10 games against opponents who are on the second leg of a back-to-back have gone UNDER the total goals line.
• Seven of the Hurricanes’ last eight night games against opponents on a winning streak have gone OVER the total goals line.
• Three of the last four games between two teams from the Metropolitan Division have gone UNDER the total goals line.
• The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 3′ market has hit in each of the Devils’ last nine games as home underdogs.
• The ‘Over 2.5 Goals Period 3′ market has hit in each of the Hurricanes’ last nine games following a loss.

New Jersey Devils Player Prop Facts

• Nico Hischier has scored a goal in four of the Devils’ last five home games against the Hurricanes.
• Jack Hughes has recorded at least one assist in each of his last four appearances with the Devils as home underdogs against Eastern Conference opponents.

Carolina Hurricanes Player Prop Facts

• Nikolaj Ehlers has scored a goal in four of his last five appearances with his team as a road favorite against the Devils.
• Sebastian Aho has recorded at least one assist in each of the Hurricanes’ last five games as favorites against the Devils.

Hurricanes vs Devils Prediction 

New Jersey comes into this matchup looking for their third win in a row and they have allowed two goals or fewer in three of their last five. The Devils are 11-7-2 at home this year, while the Hurricanes are 11-6-2 on the road. Carolina has lost three games in a row and they have allowed 17 goals in those three losses. The Hurricanes have had some defensive issues over the last few weeks, but they will play a very low scoring New Jersey team here. Take Carolina to win on the road.

David Racey's Pick: Hurricanes ML