The New Jersey Devils, led by Kyle Palmieri and Nico Hischier, are preparing to take the ice against Brad Marchand, David Pastrnak, and the Boston Bruins at TD Garden in an Eastern Conference showdown. New England Sports Network will broadcast the game, and the action gets going at 7 p.m. ET on Saturday, March 2.
New Jersey Devils vs. Boston Bruins Odds
The Bruins (-300) are tabbed as the big favorites over the Devils (+250) and oddsmakers have set the Over/Under (O/U) at 6 goals (-105 for the over, -115 for the under).
Netting 0.3 units for moneyline bettors, Boston is 38-26 straight up (SU) overall this year. That winning percentage, ranked fourth in the NHL in this young season, is right in line with the 50-32 record the team produced during last year’s regular season campaign. Of the team’s 64 games this season, 24 have gone under the total, while 24 have gone over and just three have pushed. Thus far, the team is 23-10 SU at home.
The Bruins currently tout the second-strongest power-play unit in the NHL, as they have found the net on 26.5 percent of their extra-man advantages this season. On the other hand, their penalty kill is ranked 12th overall, and they’ve successfully killed off 81.1 percent of all penalties.
Boasting a .920 save percentage and 26.1 saves per game, Tuukka Rask (21 wins, 14 losses, and five OT losses) has been the principal option in goal for the Bruins this season. If Boston decides to give him a breather, however, it may turn to Jaroslav Halak (17-15-15 record, .924 save percentage, 2.29 goals against average).
New Jersey has lost 12.4 units for moneyline bettors this year and is currently 25-40 straight up (SU). A total of 34 of its contests have gone over the total, while 28 have gone under the total and just two have pushed. As an away team, the Devils are 8-23 SU.
The Devils have converted on 18.0 percent of their power play opportunities this year, a figure that’s right around league average. On the other hand, its penalty kill unit is ranked fourth overall and it’s successfully defended 83.8 percent of all penalties.
Keith Kinkaid (3.36 goals against average and .891 save percentage) has been the primary option in goal for New Jersey. Kinkaid is averaging 25.8 saves per game and owns a 16-25-6 record.
New Jersey Devils at Boston Bruins Free Picks
Free NHL Tip: SU Winner – Bruins, O/U – Under
Betting Trends
- Two of the Bruins’ last ten games have been decided by a shootout. The team is 1-1 in those games and 2-3 overall in shootouts this season.
- The under has hit in four of Boston’s last five games.
- New Jersey has managed 28.4 shot attempts per game over its last five road games while Boston has been attempting 35.6 shots per game over its last five at home.
- Six of New Jersey’s last ten games have been decided by two goals or more. The team is 2-4 in those games.
- The Bruins this season have registered the 11th-most hits per game in the NHL (23.3).
