The first game was a disaster for the New Jersey Devils. In fact, Jacob Markstrom is one of the few highlights on the team, stopping 41 out of 44 (.932%) and leaving it in the Carolina Hurricanes fully dominant game.
Related: 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs First Round Hub
Unfortunately, a bad enthusiasm in the decision right now negates any good feelings in Markstrom's game. With 11:26 left in the third phase, he was frustrated with Andrei Svechnikov and gave him a blow with a stick. Devils teammate Cody Glass skated at the same time, and Markstrom grabbed 100% glass and 0% Svechnikov. Glass fell immediately and did not return.
It was a very difficult sequence for New Jersey, losing two players in the same transition.
Luke Hughes walked down the tunnel, appearing to have an upper body injury, and then Cody Glass descended due to… pic.twitter.com/mizdc6ohlv
— Walter Ruff (@waltruff) April 20, 2025
Markstrom told the media Monday morning: “Whatever everyone sees, this is what happens. I mean, it's clear, obviously I'm really sad… It's a situation that doesn't have to happen, it's a hot game right now, and unfortunately, I feel sad about Glasser. I don't want to see or be anyone, but hope so, but hope so bad, but it doesn't look good (looks).”
As of recent media supply by head coach Sheldon Keefe, there are no updates on glass or other injured devil players (Brenden Dillon and Luke Hughes). Like Grass, Dillon did not return to the rest of the game, but “desires” to come back. Hughes returned to two late third-stage shifts – 36 and 28, respectively, but seemed to be in a strait on the bench between the two.
According to Moneypuck, the Devil still has a 28.5% chance of entering the second round. But if they can’t win the second game in Carolina’s second game, that would be greatly reduced, with the Hurricanes losing only 10 of their 42 games this season (including the first game).
