The New Jersey Devils, having boasted the NHL's top special teams during the regular season, find themselves on the brink of playoff elimination after a disappointing performance against the Carolina Hurricanes. The Devils, who enjoyed a power play success rate of 28.2% in the regular season, have failed to score on 12 power plays against a Carolina team that excels at penalty killing. Forward Nico Hischier emphasized the need for the team to loosen up their mindset, while Timo Meier acknowledged the critical role of special teams in playoff success.

In contrast, Carolina capitalized on their opportunities, converting on a power play during Game 4. Their captain, Jordan Staal, credited strong goaltending and defensive pressure for their penalty kill's effectiveness. With their season on the line, the Devils must find a way to capitalize on power play chances, especially in a decisive Game 5.