South Raleigh News

The Carolina Hurricanes are set to face off against the New Jersey Devils in the first round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs, marking the sixth playoff encounter between the two teams. The Hurricanes have a storied playoff history with New Jersey, their four series wins and 18 playoff victories over the Devils marking record numbers against any opponent.

The Hurricanes first faced the Devils in the postseason during their second playoff trip after relocating to Raleigh. Despite the Devils taking an early lead and winning the series in six games, Carolina continued to build on that rivalry, eventually securing their first Stanley Cup Final appearance after a series win over New Jersey the following year.

Key moments from past matchups include a 2001 playoff game where Rod Brind'Amour and Erik Cole scored quickly in Game 1, leading to a series win as the Hurricanes won their first-ever postseason series since relocation. In 2006, Carolina achieved two series victories en route to winning their first Stanley Cup, with standout performances such as an overtime goal from Niclas Wallin and Eric Staal's late goal to force Game 2 against New Jersey.

The longest series between the teams was in 2009, with back-and-forth wins culminating in Carolina's dramatic Game 7 victory, highlighted by Jussi Jokinen's late tying goal and Eric Staal's game-winning shot. After a 14-year gap without facing each other in the playoffs, the Hurricanes and Devils met again in the 2023 postseason, where Carolina took the series in five games, showcasing offensive strength and a pivotal overtime success by Jesper Fast.

As this rivalry renews, fans are encouraged to witness playoff hockey in Raleighwood, with excitement building for another chapter in the Hurricanes' history against the Devils.