NEWARK, NJ — On a high-stakes Sunday afternoon at the Prudential Center, the New Jersey Devils fell flat in front of a sold-out home crowd, dropping Game 4 to the Carolina Hurricanes, 5-2. With the loss, the Devils now trail the best-of-seven series 3-1, and face elimination heading into Game 5 in Raleigh. Despite flashes of top-line brilliance in the second period, the game was defined by costly errors, ineffective special teams, and a bottom six that failed to show up when it mattered most.
First Period: Early Mistakes Set the Tone
The Devils nearly jumped out to an early lead when captain Nico Hischier deflected a Dougie Hamilton shot on net, but Frederik Andersen was sharp, setting the tone early for Carolina. Moments later, it was the Hurricanes who struck first—Andrei Svechnikov found space through a screen and beat Jacob Markstrom glove-side just 52 seconds in. The early blow rattled the Devils, who never fully recovered.
New Jersey’s fourth line struggled to match Carolina’s energy. Multiple defensive breakdowns, a sluggish response to pressure, and an ill-timed turnover led to a goal from Jaccob Slavin, who picked the corner from a tough angle to double Carolina’s lead midway through the period.
Special teams didn’t do the Devils any favors either. Despite a couple of power play opportunities, including a promising rush by Timo Meier, the Devils couldn’t convert, and Carolina’s penalty kill remained airtight.
Second Period: A Spark That Flickered Out
The Hurricanes kept their foot on the gas in the second period, extending their lead to 3-0 when Svechnikov tipped in a Seth Jarvis shot, continuing his standout playoff performance.
It wasn’t all bad for New Jersey. The top line showed signs of life—Nico Hischier scored off a rebound created by Ondrej Palat’s hard work in the slot, cutting the deficit to two. Then, after a controversial collision involving Timo Meier and Frederik Andersen (who left the game), Meier fired one past backup goalie Pyotr Kochetkov just minutes later, making it a one-goal game.
But that would be as close as the Devils would get. They had a golden opportunity on a power play late in the period, but failed to generate high-danger looks. Carolina’s disciplined defensive structure stifled New Jersey’s second unit, and a questionable interference call against Jonas Siegenthaler slowed the Devils’ momentum heading into the third.
Third Period: Self-Inflicted Wounds Seal the Loss
The Devils began the third period with some encouraging puck possession and zone time, but their inability to create quality shots or capitalize on chances proved costly. Jacob Markstrom, who was otherwise solid, made a game-altering mistake with just under six minutes left. His misplay behind the net led to a Brent Burns point shot that Jordan Martinook poked home, all but ending New Jersey’s comeback hopes.
Down two goals, the Devils pulled the goalie, but a turnover quickly turned into a hat trick goal for Svechnikov on the empty net, sealing the 5-2 defeat.
What Went Wrong: Rotten Bottom Six and Defensive Pairings
It’s impossible to win playoff hockey without depth, and the Devils’ bottom six once again failed to show up. The third and fourth lines combined for zero shots on goal and generated less than 0.05 expected goals combined. The Cody Glass–Paul Cotter–Stefan Noesen and Tomas Tatar–Justin Dowling–Nathan Bastian lines were glaring liabilities, getting hemmed in repeatedly and offering no offensive pushback. If head coach Sheldon Keefe doesn’t shake up these units, it’s hard to see how the Devils survive Game 5.
Defensive deployment was also questionable. Simon Nemec, who shined in Game 3, was split from Jonas Siegenthaler and instead paired with Dennis Cholowski. The result? A muted impact from the promising rookie and a more vulnerable defensive structure. Meanwhile, putting two recovering blueliners—Hamilton and Siegenthaler—together backfired. That pair was outscored 3-1 and visibly lacked the speed and mobility to handle Carolina’s relentless forecheck.
Looking Ahead: Time to Make Bold Choices
With their backs against the wall, the Devils must make changes for Game 5. The bottom six needs fresh legs and offensive upside. Players like Curtis Lazar, Daniel Sprong, Seamus Casey, or even Nolan Foote should be considered. The current group simply isn’t getting it done.
The power play, too, needs a spark. Without any regulation three-goal performances this series, New Jersey’s offense needs to find another gear—and fast. Markstrom will have to bounce back, and the defense must tighten up, especially in front of their own net.
Final Thoughts
This was a game that felt over before it really began. Despite a valiant second-period push, the Devils were outworked, outcoached, and out-executed in a must-win scenario. If they want to keep their playoff hopes alive, Game 5 in Raleigh has to look different—and that starts with changes in the lineup, a renewed focus on puck management, and a bottom six that finally contributes.
What’s Your Take, Devils Fans?
Do you think New Jersey can turn it around in Game 5? Who would you like to see in the lineup? Drop your thoughts in the comments, and stay tuned for more postgame coverage and playoff analysis here on Explore New Jersey.