After advancing, the Devils still have another gear to find

Going into the second-round matchup against the Carolina Hurricanes, New Jersey is still looking for offense from some of its top players. Star trade deadline acquisition Timo Meier did not score a goal in the seven games and the Rangers held captain Nico Hischier goalless.

Tomas Tatar’s only goal in the first round came in the second period of Game 7. Jesper Bratt, coming off a career-high 32 goals in the regular season, picked up his only goal of the series on an empty net.

In winning in six games in the first round. the Hurricanes held the Islanders to two or fewer goals three times, winning each. The Devils scored two or fewer goals in four of their seven games but beat the  Rangers with three games of three or more goals.

Carolina goaltender Frederik Andersen returned from an illness with a 33-save, one-goal-against performance in the decisive Game 6. And Antti Raanta was strong through the first five games, posting a .909 save percentage and a 2.59 goals against average

The Hurricanes were successful all season platooning Andersen and Raanta, so no matter who is in the net, the Devils forwards will need to be sharp.

Against a team with a strong defensive structure and reliable goaltending, it will be harder for the Devils to generate third- and fourth-line offense. But the Devils got past a formidable Cup contender with little production from their most important weapons. That should be scary for Carolina.