The Pittsburgh Penguins (19-10-6) look to halt a three-game losing streak at home on Friday as they host the slumping New Jersey Devils (22-11-2). Pittsburgh, despite its slump, is 6-2-2 in its last ten games. New Jersey has lost two games in a row and is 2-7-1 in their last ten games.
The Devils are still in second place for NHL standings in the Metropolitan Division, while the Penguins are in fourth place, just two points back. New Jersey could fall to third place with a loss in the Devils vs Penguins prediction. This is one of four NHL games on the NHL schedule tonight.
The puck drop is at 7 p.m. ET at PPG Paints Arena. The game is broadcast on Sportsnet.
New Jersey Devils vs. Pittsburgh Penguins Preview
New Jersey comes into tonight’s game as one of the coldest NHL teams in the league. They’re 2-7-1 in their last ten games and have had trouble scoring, especially on home ice. Fortunately, they’re 12-2-1 away from home ice and play seven of their next ten games on the road.
The Devils are tied for 10th in goals per game at 3.31. They generate the second most shots per game at 35.1. They were winning earlier in the season with strong goaltending and team defense.
The Devils allow only 26.1 shots per game, second in the league, and are tied for third at 2.57 goals against per game. Vitek Vanecek, the expected starting goaltender for the Devils vs. Penguins prediction, is 12-5-2 with a 2.39 goals-against average (GAA) and a .910 save percentage.
Jack Hughes leads the Devils in NHL player stats with 39 points in 35 games. Jesper Bratt is second with 33 points. Dougie Hamilton leads the team’s defensemen in scoring with 28 points.
The Penguins have the eighth-best offense in the league, generating 3.37 goals per game. Sidney Crosby leads the team in scoring with 43 points. The 35-year-old is scoreless in his last two games, however. Jake Guentzel is second on the Penguins with 33 points.
Defense has been an issue for Pittsburgh. They rank 29th in shots allowed at 34.1 per game and allow three goals per game, good enough for 15th in the league. Tristan Jarry, expected to start tonight, is 15-4-4 with a 2.77 GAA and a .918 save percentage. Pittsburgh is 4-6-2 in games in which Jarry doesn’t start.
Defensemen John Marino and Ryan Graves are on the NHL injury report for the Devils, as is Ondrej Palat, who hasn’t played since October 24. The Penguins will likely be without defensemen Kris Letang and Jeff Petry.
New Jersey Devils vs. Pittsburgh Penguins Odds Breakdown
Moneyline
They has the Penguins as the favorites in the Devils vs Penguins prediction. Pittsburgh is the -115 moneyline favorite, while the Devils are +104 underdogs.
Puckline
Pittsburgh is paying out +200 on the -1.5 puckline. New Jersey is listed at -240 on the +1.5 puckline.
Over/Under
The over/under for the Devils vs Penguins prediction is 6.5, with the over and under paying out +106 and -117, respectively.
New Jersey Devils vs. Pittsburgh Penguins Betting Preview
Devils
New Jersey is no longer among the NHL picks for the best record against the spread (ATS) this season. The Devils’ slump has the team at 19-16 ATS, but they’re 11-4 ATS on the road. The over-under is 14-20 in Devils games this season with one push.
Penguins
Pittsburgh is 15-20 ATS, including just 6-11 at home. The over-under is 17-18 in Penguins games this season.
New Jersey Devils vs. Pittsburgh Penguins Betting Pick and Prediction
Pittsburgh has been great at home this season but has been struggling as of late with three consecutive losses. New Jersey Devils, meanwhile, has been one of the best road teams in the league, with a 12-2-1 record. They’ve lost six games in a row at home and will be looking to get back on track away from the Prudential Center. The Devil’s moneyline is a good value bet for tonight.
Final Devils vs Penguins Prediction: 5-2 Devils
NHL Pick: Devils +104
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