In this article, we will formulate a Blackhawks vs Devils prediction for this NHL game on Wednesday, March 26, at United Center in Chicago, IL. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this NHL matchup.
New Jersey Devils Betting Preview
The New Jersey Devils (37-28-7, 29-43 ATS) were on a three-game homestay and lost all three games after falling to the Flames, Senators, and Canucks. The Devils will now spend the next three games on the road before returning home for a five-game homestand. New Jersey is 3rd in the Metropolitan Division Standings with 81 points, 22 behind the first-placed Capitals. The Devils will meet the Jets, Wild (B2B set), Rangers, and Bruins after this game.
The Devils average 2.96 goals per game this year (16th), while they allow 2.61 GPG (5th). Jesper Bratt leads the team with 82 points (20 G and 62 A). Nico Hischier contributes 57 points (30 G and 27 A), while Timo Meier has 47 points (22 G and 25 A).
Jacob Markstrom (22-14-6) will likely take his place in the cage for the Devils on Wednesday against the Blackhawks. The 35-year-old is allowing 2.50 goals per game this year with a .900 SV% and three shutouts.
Chicago Blackhawks Betting Preview
The Chicago Blackhawks (21-41-9, 37-34 ATS) went through their roughest patch of the season after suffering seven consecutive defeats. Luckily, the Blackhawks avoided the eighth straight loss with a 7-4 win over the Philadelphia Flyers. Chicago is at the bottom of the Central Division Standings with 51 points, even 51 behind the leaders Jets.
The Blackhawks score 2.70 goals per game on average (26th), while they concede 3.55 GPG (30th). This season, Connor Bedard leads the team with 56 points (20 G and 36 A). Teuvo Teravainen has 55 points (15 G and 40 A), while Ryan Donato chips in with 53 points (25 G and 28 A).
Spencer Knight (15-12-1) is expected to start for the Blackhawks at the goal on Wednesday against the Devils. The 23-year-old is allowing 2.55 goals per game this year with a .906 SV% and two shutouts.
Why the Devils will beat the Blackhawks
- The Blackhawks have lost each of their last six night games.
- The Devils have won each of their last five games against the Blackhawks.
- The Devils have covered the puck line in each of their last five games against the Blackhawks.
- The Blackhawks have failed to cover the puck line in six of their last seven games.
- The Devils have won the third period in each of their last four games against the Blackhawks.
Total Goals Facts
- Seven of the Blackhawks’ last eight night games at United Center have gone OVER the total goals line.
- Six of the Devils’ last eight games after coming off overtime have gone UNDER the total goals line.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 1′ market has hit in each of the Blackhawks’ last six home games against Metropolitan Division opponents.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 1′ market has hit in five of the Devils’ last six games at United Center.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Chicago Blackhawks rank 8th in the league in power-play percentage this season (25.45%).
- The Chicago Blackhawks rank 32nd in the league for shots per game this season (24.4).
- The New Jersey Devils rank 5th in the league for goals against per game this season (2.61).
- The New Jersey Devils are the only team in the league to rank top 5 for both power play and penalty kill percentage this season.
Blackhawks vs Devils Prediction
The Devils won seven of the previous ten H2H encounters, including the last five. New Jersey won the first meeting of the season when it was 4-1 in Newark. It’s important to note that each of the last five wins were by at least a two-goal margin, and I am backing the Devils to return to winning ways here with a comfortable victory. The Devils are fighting for the playoffs and they cannot afford to lose against one of the weakest teams on the NHL.