The Carolina Hurricanes, by finishing second in the Metropolitan Division, earned home-ice advantage for the first-round series against New Jersey.

The Devils enter their first round playoff series against the Hurricanes as heavy underdogs. Betting lines favor the Hurricanes, and prediction models gives Carolina the stronger chance to beat the Devils. The Athletic’s preview has the Hurricanes winning in five games as the most likely outcome of the series.

Drake Batherson scored the tying and go-ahead goals in the third period and the Ottawa Senators tuned up for the playoffs with a 7-5 victory over the Carolina Hurricanes on Thursday night in the regular-season finale for both teams.