Sun Apr 20 21:20:00 UTC 2025: ## Devils Captain Hischier Confident Ahead of Playoff Showdown with Hurricanes
**Raleigh, NC** – The New Jersey Devils are ready for battle. Ahead of their first-round playoff series against the Carolina Hurricanes, which begins today, Devils captain Nico Hischier addressed the media following Friday’s practice, expressing confidence in his team’s readiness. Several Devils players are set to experience their first NHL postseason.
The final regular season game saw the Devils fall to the Detroit Red Wings 5-2, but the focus has quickly shifted to the upcoming series. Following the loss, head coach Sheldon Keefe, along with players Dougie Hamilton (in his first game back from injury), Brenden Dillon, and several others addressed the media. Key highlights from the final game included goals by Mercer and Haula for the Devils, as well as a strong save by Markstrom against Eric Robinson in a pre-series scrimmage against Carolina. Hischier himself netted a goal against Frederik Andersen in a practice session.
Further fueling the anticipation for Game 1, players including Keefe, Kovacevic, Hughes, and Cotter also spoke to reporters following Saturday’s practice. Ondrej Palat also gave his insights during Friday’s media availability, while Hurricanes defenseman Brett Pesce offered his perspective on the upcoming series. The Devils are looking to make a strong start against the Hurricanes in what promises to be a hard-fought series.
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