In this article we will formulate a Devils vs Predators prediction for this NHL game on Thursday, January 29th at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this NHL matchup.
New Jersey Devils Betting Preview
The New Jersey Devils are 27-24-2 this year after they lost to Winnipeg by a score of 4-3 in their last game. New Jersey trailed 4-1 in the second period, but they nearly came back to tie the game late in the third. The Devils out shot Winnipeg by a total of 29-26, won 47.9% of the face-offs, and went 1-2 on the power play in the game. New Jersey got goals from Bratt, Hameenaho, and Hischier, while Allen stopped 22 out of 26 shots, which was an .846 save percentage.
Prior to that game, New Jersey lost to the Kraken by a score of 4-2, but did beat the Canucks by a score of 5-4 before that. The Devils have lost two games in a row and they are currently seventh in the Metro standings with 56 points. New Jersey has scored 2.60 goals per game and they have allowed 3.08 goals against per game, while also going 22.7% on the power play and 79.3% on the penalty kill this season. Nico Hischier has led New Jersey with 17 goals and 23 assists, while Jesper Bratt has added 12 goals and 27 assists. The projected starting goalie for New Jersey is Jacob Markstrom, who is 14-12-1 with a 3.29 goals against average and an .879 save percentage this year.
Nashville Predators Betting Preview
The Nashville Predators are 24-23-5 this season after they lost to Boston in overtime by a score of 3-2 in their last game. Nashville erased a 2-0 deficit and tied the game in the third, but lost just 15 seconds into overtime. The Predators out shot Boston by a total of 30-28, won 40.0% of the face-offs, and went 1-4 on the power play in the game. Nashville got goals from Blankenburg and Josi, while Saros stopped 25 out of 28 shots, which was an .893 save percentage.
Prior to that game, Nashville lost to the Mammoth by a score of 5-2, but did beat the Senators by a score of 5-3 before that. The Predators have lost four of their last five games and they are currently fifth in the Central standings with 53 points. Nashville has scored 2.83 goals per game and they have allowed 3.40 goals against per game, while also going 21.0% on the power play and 80.6% on the penalty kill this season. Ryan O’Reilly has led Nashville with 18 goals and 33 assists, while Filip Forsberg has added 19 goals and 21 assists. The projected starting goalie for Nashville is Juuse Saros, who is 20-17-4 with a 3.04 goals against average and an .895 save percentage this season.
Why the New Jersey Devils will win
- The Predators have lost eight of their last 10 games after coming off overtime.
- The Devils have won three of their last four games against the Predators.
- The Devils have covered the puck line in each of their last four games against the Predators.
- The Predators have failed to cover the puck line in five of their last six games against Metropolitan Division opponents.
- The Devils have won the second period in each of their last four games as home favorites against Western Conference opponents when trailing after the first period.
Total Goals Facts
- Each of the Predators’ last four games against Metropolitan Division opponents have gone UNDER the total goals line.
- Six of the Devils’ last seven games as favorites following a home loss have gone UNDER the total goals line.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 2′ market has hit in each of the Devils’ last nine night games.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 2′ market has hit in each of the Predators’ last seven games.
New Jersey Devils Player Prop Facts
- Dougie Hamilton has recorded at least one assist in each of his last nine appearances.
- Timo Meier has scored at least one goal in each of his last six Thursday appearances against Central Division opponents.
Nashville Predators Player Prop Facts
- Ryan O’Reilly has recorded at least one assist in each of the Predators’ last seven night games.
Matchup/League Facts
- The New Jersey Devils rank 29th in the league for goals per game this season (2.60).
- The New Jersey Devils have recorded the equal-most wins when trailing after Period 1 this season (7).
- The Nashville Predators rank 28th in the league for goals against per game this season (3.40).
- The Nashville Predators rank T1st in the league in short handed goals allowed this season (0).
Devils vs Predators Prediction
New Jersey comes into this matchup on a two game losing streak and they have allowed four goals in three straight games. The Devils are 12-10-2 at home this year, while the Predators are 10-11-3 on the road. Nashville has lost four of their last five games and they have allowed five goals or more in three of their last five. The Predators have scored two goals in back to back games and I just don’t trust them at all. I don’t love the Devils, but I will take them to win.