By Chris Lea, WRAL-TV sports anchor/reporter

The Carolina Hurricanes’ first-round NHL playoff opponent is set, and it includes several familair faces.

The Hurricanes will play the New Jersey Devils and former Carolina players Brett Pesce, Erik Haula and Dougie Hamilton.

The Hurricanes (96 points) and Devils (89 points) will finish second and third in the Metropolitan Division. The team that finishes second will have home-ice advantage and open the playoffs at home.

Carolina is almost certain to claim the No. 2 spot, given its seven-point edge in the standings. Carolina has five games left. New Jersey has four.

The Washington Capitals already clinched the Metro title. Carolina visits Washington on Thursday night.

Carolina completes its season with home games against the Rangers (April 12) and Toronto (April 13) and road games at Montreal (April 16) and Ottawa (April 17).

The NHL regular season ends April 17. The Stanley Cup Playoffs begin on April 19. Playoff tickets go on sale Thursday.

The teams have met five times in the playoffs, but just once since 2009. The Hurricanes defeated the Devils in five games in the 2023 Eastern Conference semifinals. The Hurricanes have won the last four playoff meetings with New Jersey.

Source: wralsportsfan.com