Playoff hockey returns to the Garden State tonight.

The New Jersey Devils trail the Carolina Hurricanes in their best-of-seven series 2-0. The team will host Games 3 and 4 at the Prudential Center, Friday at 8 p.m., and Sunday at 3:30 p.m.

And there are a whole bunch of special activations and promotions planned around The Rock in Newark.

Beginning April 25 at 5 p.m., a fan fest will take place in Championship Plaza. The event will feature:

• A mobile esports fan experience – “NJ’s Ride”;
• Devils Experience Mobile Tour;
• ESPN Bet activation with raffles and giveaways;
• Music and more.

For the home playoff games, the team added PixMob’s NOVA LED light technology to the railings around the arena – as well as more scoreboard lights and cryo effects in the upper bowl; new open sequence elements; and more. Additionally, DJs Luke Alexander (Game 3) and Nick Spinelli (Game 4) will perform on the main concourse.

All fans in attendance for Games 3 and 4 will receive a rally towel, courtesy of RWJBarnabas Health Friday and Prudential Financial Inc. Sunday.

The games will feature a slew of other activations, new food options, and more. You can find out more about the Devils playoff festivities here.

Building excitement

On April 19, Citizens Bank hosted a pep rally at its branch in Toms River. The festivities included giveaways, a ticket raffle, and appearances by the mascot NJ Devil, TJ the DJ, and Devils alumni Bruce Driver. Citizens serves as presenting sponsor of the Devils’ 2025 playoffs.

And, the Devils Youth Foundation will attempt to raise $50,000 in Round 1 as part of its Play On Playoff Campaign. Offering in-game 50/50 raffles, online fundraising and online auctions, the funds will support youth sports programs in Newark this summer.

With pleasant spring weather, Newark should be buzzing as the Devils look to rebound in Game 3 tonight.