Carolina at New Jersey

The Carolina Hurricanes finished the season with nine wins in their last 11 games and have to be feeling good heading into the opening round vs the New Jersey Devils. This team has come a long way from the one that opened the season with just 13 wins in their first 30 games. They saved their best for last as they outscored their opponents by the score of 70-40 in their last 17 games, that's an offense that is clicking to the tune of over four goals a game for nearly a quarter of the season. The Devils have to feel a bit uncomfortable about their finish that saw them win just five of their last 13. The goals have not come easy as they have averaged just over two a game in the stretch. Lots of pressure for a struggling offense and this Carolina team is in sync right now. I'll back them in game 1.