The Devils and Hurricanes kick off their second-round series on Wednesday night in Raleigh, but New Jersey is going to be without one of its top scorers.
Devils forward Timo Meier will miss Game 1 of the 2023 NHL playoff series. He was injured as a result of a hit from Rangers defenseman Jacob Trouba in the third period of the club's Game 7 win on Monday.
Meier was acquired at the trade deadline by the Devils in a deal with the Sharks. The 26-year-old Swiss winger had nine goals and 14 points in 21 games during the regular season with the Devils.
MORE: Watch 2023 NHL playoff games on ESPN with Fubo
He has gone pointless so far in New Jersey's seven playoff games. His 27 shots on goal trail only Jack Hughes for the team lead so far in the postseason.
The Devils and Hurricanes are meeting in the playoffs for the first time since 2009. Both clubs finished with 52 wins in the regular season, while Carolina edged New Jersey by a point for the top spot in the Metropolitan Division.
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The Sporting News has all you need to know about Meier's status and how to watch Hurricanes vs. Devils Game 1.
Is Timo Meier playing tonight in Game 1?
Timo Meier will not be playing for the Devils in Game 1 of their series against the Hurricanes, per Elliotte Friedmann.
Meier traveled with the team to Carolina and was a participant in the morning skate on Tuesday. Devils head coach Lindy Ruff said that Meier would be a game-time decision for Game 1.
He skated on the third forward line with Dawson Mercer and Yegor Sharanagovich, the same combination in Game 7, at the session. Meier was seen sporting a full face shield at the practice.
Timo Meier is getting onto the ice for #NJDevils morning skate and has a face shield on from the Jacob Trouba hit. pic.twitter.com/ZnKVCFbhSV
— Amanda Stein (@amandacstein) May 3, 2023
According to Ruff, Meier could have gone back into Game 7 once he returned to the bench late in the game.
No update on Meier from HC Ruff. He said he’s “anticipating good news.”
— x - Sam Kasan (@samikasan) May 2, 2023
He noted Meier returned to the bench and said he was OK to play during Game 7.
And added: “He looks like an old fashion hockey player.”#NJDevils
If Meier is unable to play in Game 1, then it's likely one of Curtis Lazar or Jesper Boqvist will draw into the lineup. Lazar played in four of the games in the series against the Rangers, while Boqvist saw action in five.
What channel is Hurricanes vs. Devils Game 1 on?
- TV Channel (U.S.): ESPN
- TV Channel (Canada): SNE, SNO, SNP, TVAS
- Live stream (U.S.): ESPN+, ESPN app, Fubo
- Live stream (Canada): SN NOW
The Hurricanes vs. Devils Game 1 is set to air live in the United States on ESPN. Fans in Canada can watch the action on SNE, SNO, SNP or TVA Sports for the French-speaking audience.
For those looking to live stream the game, ESPN+ and the ESPN app are options in the United States, in addition to Fubo, which carries all NHL playoff games on ESPN and has a free trial.
In Canada, streamers can watch the game through SN NOW.
Hurricanes vs. Devils Game 1 start time
- Date: Tuesday, May 3
- Time: 7 p.m. ET
The Hurricanes vs. Devils Game 1 puck drop is set for Tuesday, May 3 at 7 p.m. ET.
The game is being held at PNC Arena in Raleigh, N.C.
Hurricanes vs. Devils Game 1 odds
- Puckline: Hurricanes -1.5 (+220) | Devils +1.5 (-270)
- Moneyline: Hurricanes -120 | Devils +100
- O/U: 5.5
Bet365 has the Hurricanes as slight favorites at home to win Game 1 over the Devils.
Odds provided by Bet365 in the USA (NJ market).
Hurricanes vs. Devils series schedule
| Date | Site | Time (ET) | TV/Result |
| Wed., May 3 | at Carolina | 7 p.m. | ESPN, SNE, SNO, SNP, TVAS |
| Fri., May 5 | at Carolina | 8 p.m. | TNT, SN, TVAS |
| Sun., May 7 | at New Jersey | 3:30 p.m. | TBS, SN1, TVAS |
| Tues., May 9 | at New Jersey | 7 p.m. | ESPN, SN, CBC, TVAS |
| *Thurs., May 11 | at Carolina | TBD | TNT, SN, CBC, TVAS |
| *Sat., May 13 | at New Jersey | TBD | ESPN, SN, CBC, TVAS |
| *Mon., May 15 | at Carolina | TBD | ESPN, SN, CBC, TVAS |
* If necessary
