2023 Stanley Cup Playoff Second Round Preview: Carolina Hurricanes vs. New Jersey Devils

There was a vicious fight at the top of the Metropolitan Division this season. The end result is this battle between two of the best teams in the league - and maybe the two biggest analytical darlings.

Concerns about injuries and a major cold streak down the stretch were addressed in the Canes' six-game victory against the New York Islanders, where they proved that the defensive machine was still functioning and that they could create even without some of their top players. We are squarely in this team's contention window and there is a lot at stake for this squad – it's by no means a last dance, but it is a huge chance to prove doubters of the Canes' system wrong. 

Meanwhile, the Devils are no strangers to silencing the skeptical. They were almost universally projected to miss the playoffs,