The Prudential Center is playing host an Eastern Conference tilt as the Boston Bruins make the trip to New Jersey to take on the Devils. MSG Plus 2 will air the game, and the opening face-off takes place at 7 p.m. ET on Wednesday, November 22.
Boston Bruins vs. New Jersey Devils Odds
The Devils are 12-8 straight up (SU) and have earned moneyline bettors 7.2 units this season. That winning percentage, the second-best in the Metropolitan Division in this young season, is a surprising improvement over the 28-54 record from last years regular season campaign. Of its 20 games this season, 12 have gone over the total, while eight have gone under and none have pushed. Thus far, the teams 5-4 SU at home.
New Jersey has connected on 22.2 percent of its power play chances this year, a figure that places them in the top-10 among NHL teams. On the other hand, its penalty kill is rated 21st overall, and it’s successfully killed off 79.2 percent of all penalties.
New Jersey, as a collective unit, has been penalized 4.3 times per game overall this season, and 3.3 per game over its last ten games. The teams had to kill penalties for just 6.9 minutes per game over its last 10 outings, overall.
Sporting a .917 save percentage and 31.0 saves per game, Cory Schneider (9-6-2) has been the primary option in goal for the Devils this year. If they, however, decide to give him a breather, the team may go with Keith Kinkaid (4-3-3 record, .905 save percentage, 3.08 goals against average).
Taylor Hall and Will Butcher will each look to continue their strong seasons for the Devils. Hall (21 points) has produced six goals and 15 assists and has recorded multiple points five times this year. Butcher has two goals and 14 assists to his name and has recorded at least one point in 10 contests.
On the other side of the rink, Boston is 8-11 straight up (SU) and has lost 5.8 units for bettors taking the moneyline thus far. A total of 10 of its contests have gone under the total, while nine have gone over and none have pushed. As the visiting team, Boston is 3-6 SU so far.
Boston has converted on 20.0 percent of its power play opportunities this season, a mark that’s right around league average. On the other hand, its penalty kill unit is ranked third overall and it’s successfully killed off 85.9 percent of all penalties.
Boston’s skaters have been penalized 4.4 times per game in total this season, and 3.6 per game over their last five on the road. The teams been forced to stave off opponent power plays just 7.2 minutes per game over their last five road outings.
Tuukka Rask (.897 save percentage and 2.89 goals against average) has been the primary option in goal for Boston. Rask is averaging 24.7 saves per game and has three wins, nine losses, and two overtime losses to his credit.
Leading the offensive counter for the visiting Bruins will be David Pastrnak (10 goals, seven assists) and Brad Marchand (eight goals, seven assists).
Boston Bruins at New Jersey Devils Free Picks
Predictions: SU Winner – Devils, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- The Devils are 8-3 SU when they serve more penalty minutes than their opponent while the Bruins are 5-4 SU in games where they spend more time in the box than the opposition.
- New Jersey is ranked 16th overall with 8.1 takeaways per game. That figures trended lower lately, however, as it has created 7.2 takeaways over its last 10 games and 6.0 takeaways over its last five.
- Boston skaters have created 8.6 takeaways per game over its last five road games, a drop-off from its season average of 9.6 takeaways per game (ranked fifth).
