Jack Hughes scores in second game back from injury against Canes

Jack Hughes looks to light the lamp after a slow start in his return from an 11-game absence

The Hurricanes have dominated the Devils with ten wins in their last 13 matchups as they head into their second battle of the season that saw the Canes prevail for the third straight time. It’ll be tough to break the streak as the Devils haven’t beaten Carolina since game three of their Eastern Conference semifinal matchup.

The Devils will need to secure their backend and stop leaking goals as they have at a high-rate with the fourth-most goals against at an average of 3.57 per game. You can expect a high-scoring game with these two combining for seven or more goals in six of their last 11 matchups.

With both teams hungry for a win, tonight's game should give an exciting opportunity for our best bet to hit and potentially secure a rewarding outcome for hockey fans.

All betting lines are from Bet365 and are subject to change. Please gamble responsibly.

Pick: Jack Hughes anytime goal (+145)

The Devils star had a rough first game back after his 11-game absence with no points and a minus three rating to boot in a 5-3 loss at the hands of the Flames. He may have some rust to kick off and should against the Hurricanes. 

Carolina has a great backend with a top 12 ranking in fewest goals against per game with a 2.92 average. Hughes usually plays well against top tier defenses however, with four goals and 12 points in ten games this season against top 12 defenses. 

The expected starter for the Canes, Pyotr Kochetkov, also has a mixed history against New Jersey with a 2-2-0 record and seven goals against across his last two starts in this matchup. Hughes should make his return to hockey known with a goal that fires up his team and may help them to the victory.