Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins head into New Jersey for a matinee game against the Devils, where both teams come into this game on two-game win streaks. It’s time to continue our NHL odds series with a Penguins-Devils prediction and pick.
These Metropolitan Division rivals have been playing with heart, even if the Devils sit in second to last place in the division with only 39 points. The Penguins currently have 66 points and look to improve on it to overtake the Carolina Hurricanes for the number one seed.
Here are the Penguins-Devils NHL Odds, Courtesy of FanDuel
NHL Odds: Penguins-Devils
Pittsburgh Penguins: -1.5 (+112) (-235 ML)
New Jersey Devils: +1.5 (+138) (+190 ML)
Over: 6.5 (+100)
Under: 6.5 (-122)
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Why The Penguins Can Cover The Spread/Win
The Penguins were on a four-game losing streak heading into the All-Star break, but have quickly turned things around with wins over the Boston Bruins and the Ottawa Senators, both on the road. They stay out of town today to wrap up their mini road trip in New Jersey against a struggling Devils unit. Pittsburgh will look to have star Evgeni Malkin back in the lineup again tonight, which always helps produce offensive chances.
Another big name for the Penguins, Sidney Crosby, is still looking for his 500th career goal, but there's a sneaky suspicion that he may want to save the moment for their next game: at home against their bitter rivals, the Philidelphia Flyers. Vezina Trophy contender, Tristan Jarry will look to get the nod tonight as he took the night off against Ottawa on Thursday. He holds a .925 save percentage throughout 38 games played this season, and allowed 2.21 goals per game.
Why The Devils Can Cover The Spread/Win
The New Jersey Devils are coming into this game also on a two-game winning streak, and have scored seven goals in both of those games. They're expected to get rising star Jack Hughes and goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood back from injury today. Blackwood has started in 22 games this season but has only won nine of them. He has a lingering hell injury, but that's not an excuse for averaging 3.29 goals against per game and a .894 save percentage.
The Devils really struggle defensively, mainly because of poor goaltending, but the addition of Jack Hughes back to the lineup should help produce more offense, forcing New Jersey to have the mindset of “the best defense is a better offense.” Unfortunately, the Devils are going to need way more than offense if they want to win this game against a very well-rounded Pittsburgh team.
Final Penguins-Devils Prediction & Pick
The Devils could very easily be trending upwards after two straight wins, but with only 39 points, New Jersey fans will have to believe in miracles if they want to see their team reach the playoffs this year. Don't get me wrong, the Devils are very much a sleeper team with more talent than their record shows, but I don't see them getting the job done here tonight at home. I'm also looking for Crosby to net his 500th career goal tonight, especially with a matchup in MacKenzie Blackwood. Just for the value, give me the Penguins puck line at -1.5. Betting the spread scares me a little bit simply due to the Devils being on a roll as of late, scoring seven goals in both of their last two wins, but I trust Jarry to shut them down and keep it a blowout victory for the Penguins.
Final Penguins-Devils Prediction & Pick: Penguins -1.5 (+112)
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