The Boston Bruins (2-1-0) are primed and ready for their matchup against the New Jersey Devils (3-1-0) in New Jersey on Monday night.
The Devils are currently having a stellar preseason and will look to carry that momentum into the regular season while Boston is looking for players who will step up in the absence of Brad Marchand and Charlie McAvoy, both of whom are expected to be out until at least November.
NHL Last Preseason Records
The Devils won three consecutive games to begin the preseason before losing 2-1 at home against the New York Rangers on Friday.
Meanwhile, Boston lost its opener 2-1 to Philadelphia but have won back-to-back games against the Rangers and Flyers since.
Devils vs. Bruins Matchup Information
- Time: 7:00PM Eastern
- Venue: Prudential Center, Newark, New Jersey
- How to watch: ESPN+
Boston Bruins vs. New Jersey Devils Betting Analysis
Boston Bruins
The Boston Bruins have been playing great hockey during the preseason and this matchup against the Devils on Monday will be a very good test of their regular season potential.
The Bruins recently defeated the Philadelphia Flyers 4-0 in Boston which helped them extend their win streak to two games.
The Bruins made some stellar moves in the offseason and they are projected to be a playoff-caliber team and possibly a cup contender once again in 2023.
The Best Centers and Two-way Forwards
The B’s resigned one of the best centers and two-way forwards in the league Patrice Bergeron, who recorded 65 points last year and will be a crucial figure in the offense.
Bergeron also won the Selke Trophy for a record fifth time for his excellent defensive play, but he’ll take a backseat tonight and rest for the regular season.
Boston was a very solid team last season, but they were bounced in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs to the Carolina Hurricanes.
Bruins’ Struggle
The Bruins struggled massively on the road and they will need to win more road games this upcoming season if they want to make it further in the playoffs this time around.
The lineup for Monday’s game will feature several players on the NHL bubble looking to earn a roster spot.
- Jack Studnicka
- John Beecher
- A.J. Greer
- Marc McLaughlin
Will all see expanded roles as they compete to see whether they’ll begin the season with the NHL or AHL club.
New Jersey Devils
Like Boston, New Jersey is hoping for better results in the upcoming season. The Devils disappointed despite making major moves in the offseason to overhaul the blue line, specifically signing free agent Dougie Hamilton and trading for Ryan Graves.
Their lineup Monday will be particularly young once again, as it will be for most of the season. In particular, keep an eye on Alexander Holtz, the seventh overall pick in the 2020 Draft.
Holtz Last Season’s Performance
Holtz tallied two assists in nine NHL games last season, but the young Swede projects as more of a goalscorer than a setup-man.
He’s expected to play on the second line with Dawson Mercer and Tomas Tatar, per beat writer Amanda Stein.
Vitek Vanecek projects as the starter on Monday, making his third appearance of the preseason. The Devils sign Vanecek in free agency following his stint with the Washington Capitals.
Vanecek is expected to push Mackenzie Blackwood for the starting reins once the season begins. Once Jonathan Bernier returns from injury, New Jersey could have quite the goaltending battle on its hands.
Bruins vs. Devils Betting Preview
The Bruins are underdogs on the road at +142 while the home Devils are -200. The over/under is set at 5.5. On the puck line, Boston +1.5 goals is listed at -170, and New Jersey -1.5 goals is +122.
Boston Bruins vs. New Jersey Devils Betting Prediction
I believe the New Jersey Devils are going to win this contest and that is why I am taking the money line pick in this matchup.
The Devils will win this contest because they have more of their regular NHLers playing and will have more to prove heading into the matchup. Run with the Devils at home.
NHL Pick: Devils (-200)
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