In this article, we will formulate a Devils vs Blue Jackets prediction for this NHL game on Tuesday, March 11 at Prudential Center in Newark, NJ. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this NHL matchup.
Columbus Blue Jackets Betting Preview
The Columbus Blue Jackets (31-24-8, 39-24 ATS) were in fine form from late February to early March when they connected four victories over the Blackhawks, Stars, and Red Wings (twice). The Blue Jackets opened their four-game road trip with a loss to the Panthers but bounced back with a massive 7-3 win over the New York Rangers. That’s the first time this season that Columbus managed to score seven goals in regulation. The Blue Jackets are 4th in the Metropolitan Division Standings with 70 points, four behind the Devils and 22 behind the leaders Washington Capitals.
The Blue Jackets average 3.33 goals per game this year (7th), while they allow 3.29 GPG (26th). Zach Werenski leads the team with 68 points (20 G and 48 A). Kirill Marchenko contributes 61 points (24 G and 37 A), while Kent Johnson has 43 points (20 G and 23 A).
Elvis Merzlikins (22-16-4) will likely take his place in the cage for the Blue Jackets on Tuesday against the Devils. The 30-year-old is allowing 2.99 goals per game this year with a .897 SV% and one shutout.
New Jersey Devils Betting Preview
The New Jersey Devils (34-25-6, 27-38 ATS) snapped a three-game losing skid with a 3-1 road win over the Philadelphia Flyers. The Devils scored just four goals in three defeats to the Golden Knights, Stars, and Jets, and it’s evident that the absence of team captain Jack Hughes is hurting them. New Jersey is 3rd in the Metropolitan Division Standings with 74 points, six behind the Hurricanes and 18 behind the top-placed Capitals.
The Devils score 2.95 goals per game on average (14th), while they concede 2.52 GPG (2nd). This season, Jack Hughes leads the team with 70 points (27 G and 43 A). Jesper Bratt also has 70 points (17 G and 53 A), while Nico Hischier chips in with 49 points (26 G and 23 A).
Jake Allen (10-13-1) is expected to start for the Devils at the goal on Tuesday against the Blue Jackets. The 34-year-old is allowing 2.62 goals per game this year with a .910 SV% and four shutouts.
Why the Devils will beat the Blue Jackets
- The Blue Jackets have lost 13 of their last 14 Tuesday road games.
- The Devils have won four of their last five home games against Metropolitan Division opponents.
- The Devils have covered the puck line in four of their last five home games against Metropolitan Division opponents.
- The Devils have won the third period in each of their last four games against Eastern Conference opponents at Prudential Center when trailing after the second period.
Total Goals Facts
- Five of the Blue Jackets’ last six games against Eastern Conference opponents have gone OVER the total goals line.
- Five of the Devils’ last six home games against Eastern Conference opponents have gone UNDER the total goals line.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 3′ market has hit in each of the Devils’ last eight night games.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 3′ market has hit in 15 of the Blue Jackets’ last 16 games following a road win.
Matchup/League Facts
- The New Jersey Devils rank 4th in the league in penalty kill percentage this season (82.51%).
- 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.
- The Columbus Blue Jackets rank 31st in the league for Period 2 goals allowed per game this season (1.32).
- The Columbus Blue Jackets rank 4th in the league for Period 1 goals allowed per game this season (0.70).
Devils vs Blue Jackets Prediction
The Devils won six of the previous ten H2H encounters and six of the last eight, but the Blue Jackets were victorious in the first meeting of the season when it was 4-2 in Columbus. New Jersey lost three home games in a row and will be looking to bounce back against Columbus, who lost four of the previous five H2Hs at Prudential Center. The Devils are unconvincing and the only reason I am backing them is their rock-steady defense, one of the best in the NHL.