Kyle Palmieri, Nikita Gusev, and the New Jersey Devils will face off against Brent Burns, Timo Meier, and the San Jose Sharks at the SAP Center in an East-West tilt. The game will get underway at 10:30 p.m. ET on Thursday, February 27, and you can catch the game live on MSG Network.
New Jersey Devils at San Jose Sharks Odds
The Sharks (-155) are currently favored over the Devils (+135), and oddsmakers have set the Over/Under (O/U) at 6 goals (-105 over, -115 under).
Losing 12.4 units for moneyline bettors, San Jose is 26-37 straight up (SU) overall in the 2019-20 season. That early-season winning percentage is a regression from the 46-36 record that the team managed during last year’s regular season campaign. Of its 63 regular season matches, 34 have gone under the total, while 26 have gone over and just three have pushed. The team is 14-16 SU at home this year.
The Sharks have converted on just 16.0 percent of their power play opportunities this year, a figure that’s ranked 28th overall in the NHL. On the other hand, their penalty kill is ranked second overall, and they’ve successfully killed off 85.9 percent of all penalties.
Averaging 25.0 saves per game with a .894 save percentage, Martin Jones (14-22-2) has been the best goalkeeper for the Sharks this year. If the Sharks decide to give him a rest, however, San Jose might turn to Aaron Dell (12-19-19 record, .907 save percentage, 2.94 goals against average).
New Jersey has lost 6.3 units for bettors taking the moneyline thus far and is currently 25-37 straight up (SU). Through 62 regular season outings, 32 of its games have gone over the total, while 29 have gone under the total and just one has pushed. The Devils are 13-17 SU as a road team this season.
The Devils have converted on 18.0 percent of their power play chances this year, a figure that’s right around league average. On the other hand, its penalty kill unit is ranked 14th overall and it’s successfully defended 81.5 percent of all opponent power plays.
MacKenzie Blackwood (28.0 saves per game) has been the primary option in the net for New Jersey. Blackwood has 21 wins, 22 losses, and seven OT losses to his credit, while registering a .916 save percentage and 2.73 goals against average this year.
New Jersey Devils at San Jose Sharks Betting Predictions
NHL Prediction: SU Winner – Sharks, O/U – Over
Betting Trends
- The Sharks are 2-1 in games decided by a shootout this season while the Devils are 4-6 in shootouts.
- The under has hit in four of New Jersey’s last five outings.
- New Jersey skaters created 23.5 hits per game last season, while the Sharks posted 21.5 hits per matchup.
