Carolina is in the hunt to clinch a playoff spot and can do so with a win against New Jersey in regulation or overtime, coupled with a Montreal loss to Washington. With a lot on the line for Carolina, the atmosphere and compete level against the Devils are expected to be at a different level. It is in a game with such importance to the opponent where all eyes will be on many of the Devils young players and how they handle the scenario.
"We talk about evaluation games, this is one where we're going to take a lot of stock into it," head coach John Hynes said. "They're fighting for a wild card spot, they're a playoff team, they've been one of the best teams in the league through the last 20 games. It's a hard building to play in.
"Lots of times you guys ask me, 'Has this guy taken a step?'," Hynes continued. "Let's see tonight when there's no time and space and you're playing against a team that's dialed in and they're looking for the postseason."