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The New Jersey Devils have clinched a spot in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, marking their first playoff appearance since the 2023 Conference semifinals. This achievement was secured following the New York Rangers' 8-5 loss to the Philadelphia Flyers on Wednesday (April 9). The Devils are currently positioned third in the Metropolitan Division with 89 points and have four games remaining in the regular season.
The Devils will face the Carolina Hurricanes in the first round of the playoffs. The Hurricanes, holding second place in the Metropolitan Division with 96 points, have a seven-point lead over the Devils. The team finishing second in the division will gain home-ice advantage in the best-of-seven series. The Devils' forward Jesper Bratt has been a standout player this season, achieving a career-high 88 points, while Nico Hischier and Jack Hughes have also contributed significantly to the team's success. Unfortunately, Hughes sustained a season-ending shoulder injury in March.
The Devils and Hurricanes have met five times in postseason history, with the Hurricanes winning the last four matchups. The most recent series between the two teams occurred in the 2023 Eastern Conference Second Round, where Carolina emerged victorious in five games. The Devils are eager to change the narrative and advance further in this year's playoffs.