The New Jersey Devils face significant challenges as defensemen Luke Hughes and Brenden Dillon have been ruled out for Game 2 against the Carolina Hurricanes due to injuries suffered in Game 1. Coach Sheldon Keefe confirmed both players did not participate in the morning skate, and their absence adds to the team's struggles, already missing top center Jack Hughes and defenseman Jonas Siegenthaler.

In their place, Simon Nemec and Dennis Cholowski will make their playoff debuts. The Devils need to enhance their performance after a disappointing 4-1 loss in the series opener, where they were outshot and struggled to find their rhythm. With Cody Glass cleared to play, the team will rely on its depth and resilience to bounce back against a formidable Hurricanes squad.