New Jersey Devils Conclude Regular Season: Playoff Hopes and Betting Insights

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As the New Jersey Devils wrap up their 2024-25 regular season, you’re eyeing their playoff matchup against the Carolina Hurricanes. Discover their postseason outlook, betting opportunities in New Jersey’s thriving sportsbook market and key factors that could sway their Stanley Cup chances. Dive into the action as the Devils hit the ice in Raleigh.

The New Jersey Devils ended their 2024-25 regular season with a 5-2 loss to the Detroit Red Wings on April 16, securing a 42-32-7 record. Now, their playoff clash with the Carolina Hurricanes excites South Jersey fans. New Jersey’s sports betting scene offers a chance to wager on every moment.

A Strong Finish Sets the Stage

The Devils wrapped up their season on April 16 with a 5-2 loss to the Detroit Red Wings, finishing with 91 points and third place in the Metropolitan Division. For fans looking to bet on the playoffs, New Jersey’s legal sports betting market is a goldmine. Platforms like Hard Rock Bet, BetMGM and the other best NJ betting sites recommended by the experts team at betting.us offer secure, feature-rich options for wagering on the Devils’ playoff run. From live betting to player props, these sportsbooks cater to every hockey enthusiast, with mobile apps ensuring you never miss a puck drop.

The finale had no bearing on their seeding, allowing coach Sheldon Keefe to rest key players while testing depth. A late-season surge, including a five-game win streak in March, had already solidified their playoff momentum.

Defenseman Dougie Hamilton returned from an 18-game injury absence, signaling depth for the postseason. The Devils clinched their spot early, led by Jesper Bratt’s 80 points and Markstrom’s .911 save percentage. New Jersey’s betting landscape, bolstered by the 2018 repeal of PASPA, provides competitive odds for playoff wagers, setting the stage for an exciting postseason for South Jersey hockey enthusiasts.

Playoff Matchup: Hurricanes Pose a Challenge

The Devils opened their first-round series against the Carolina Hurricanes on April 20 in Raleigh, falling 4-1 in Game 1. Carolina’s Logan Stankoven scored twice, and Frederik Andersen stopped 23 of 24 shots. Nico Hischier’s 4-on-4 tally was New Jersey’s lone goal, though the team showed fight heading into Game 2.

Even trailing 2-0 in the series, the Devils displayed tenacity. Jesper Bratt, who scored in Game 2, noted, "We’ve found a recipe to how we can win." Veteran defenseman Brett Pesce, a key free-agent signing, bolstered their blue line in Game 2 by preventing three pucks from crossing the goal line, showcasing his playoff experience. Bettors should eye puck line wagers, as the Devils remain a compelling underdog at home.

Injuries pose challenges, with Jack Hughes (shoulder) and Jonas Siegenthaler (lower-body) sidelined, alongside potentially Brenden Dillon and Luke Hughes. Carolina’s depth gives them an edge, but the Devils’ home ice in Game 3 on April 25 offers hope, with Keefe controlling matchups to counter the Hurricanes’ aggressive forecheck.

Betting Opportunities in New Jersey’s Market

New Jersey’s sports betting ecosystem is ideal for playoff action. Since the 2018 Supreme Court ruling, online sportsbooks like DraftKings and Borgata Sportsbook, licensed by the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement, offer live betting and Same Game Parlay features. Borgata excels for soccer fans, while Hard Rock Bet leads for NBA wagers. The state’s betting market generated over $1 billion in revenue in 2024, underscoring its prominence.

Bettors should prioritize platforms with secure payouts. Winnings face a 24% federal tax and a 3% state tax, so seeking value bets like over/under goals (averaging 5.8 per game) or Hischier’s point props is key for Devils fans. For Game 3, the Devils are +145 underdogs, with the over/under at 5.5, per ESPN Bet odds detailed in their series coverage.

A tip from industry veterans: focus on special teams. The Devils’ power play could break through, while the Hurricanes’ short-handed scoring makes them a sneaky bet. Check platforms like Caesars for mobile apps to track these markets in real time and capitalize on playoff volatility.

Key Players to Watch

Jacob Markstrom has been stellar for New Jersey, posting a .930 save percentage through two playoff games. Defenseman Brett Pesce has also been pivotal, bringing veteran grit to the blue line. In Game 2, Pesce logged 23:14 of ice time, tying a career-high with six blocked shots while preventing three pucks from crossing the goal line. "It’s Stanley Cup Playoffs … you do whatever you can to win," Pesce said, reflecting on the intensity of the postseason. His experience against his former team, the Hurricanes, makes him a cornerstone for the Devils’ defense.

Carolina’s Frederik Andersen, with just two goals allowed in the series and 23 saves in a 4-1 Game 1 victory, matches Markstrom’s brilliance, while Logan Stankoven, a trade-deadline acquisition, has emerged as a playoff sparkplug with two goals in Game 1. Despite the high household expenses in New Jersey, bettors should consider Stankoven’s goal props, but the Devils’ home crowd could ignite Hischier, making his over-points prop a smart play for Game 3. The Devils’ 2023 comeback—winning in seven games after trailing 2-0 against the Rangers—shows their capacity to defy the odds.

What Lies Ahead

As the series shifts to Newark for Game 3, the Devils face a tough challenge but carry momentum from their defense and Markstrom’s heroics. Home ice could spark a turnaround, especially if the power play clicks. South Jersey fans can draw confidence from the Devils’ earlier win, handing the Flyers their fourth straight loss.

The Devils’ playoff run tests their grit, giving South Jersey fans a chance to rally behind a team with deep roots. From watch parties at local bars to packed stands at the Prudential Center, the region’s hockey passion shines through. Whether cheering or betting on the outcome, the stakes are high. Watch Markstrom’s saves and Bratt’s offense to tip the scales.

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