In this article, we will formulate a Devils vs Senators prediction for this NHL game on Saturday, March 22 at Prudential Center in Newark, NJ. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this NHL matchup.
Ottawa Senators Betting Preview
The Ottawa Senators (36-27-5, 29-39 ATS) experienced their best stretch of the season as they recorded six consecutive victories but they conceded 11 goals in the last two games to the Canadiens and Avalanche. During that positive run, the Senators defeated the Blackhawks, Rangers, Red Wings, Flyers, Bruins, and Maple Leafs. Ottawa is 4th in the Atlantic Division Standings with 77 points, ten behind the first-placed Panthers.
The Senators score 2.91 goals per game on average (18th), while they concede 2.88 GPG (13th). This season, Tim Stutzle leads the team with 69 points (20 G and 49 A). Drake Batherson has 55 points (19 G and 36 A), while Brady Tkachuk chips in with 51 points (27 G and 24 A).
Linus Ullmark (18-13-3) is expected to start for the Sens at the goal on Saturday against the Devils. The 31-year-old is allowing 2.80 goals per game this year with a .908 SV% and three shutouts.
New Jersey Devils Betting Preview
The New Jersey Devils (37-27-6, 29-41 ATS) have been playing relatively well recently even though they lost the latest game to the Calgary Flames. The Devils had a 3-1 lead but ended emptyhanded in a 5-3 loss. Still, New Jersey won four of the previous six games and is 3rd in the Metropolitan Division Standings with 80 points, 20 behind the leaders Capitals.
The Devils average 2.97 goals per game this year (14th), while they allow 2.60 GPG (4th). Jesper Bratt leads the team with 80 points (20 G and 60 A). Nico Hischier contributes 55 points (29 G and 26 A), while Timo Meier has 45 points (20 G and 25 A).
Jake Allen (12-13-1) will likely take his place in the cage for the Devils on Saturday against the Senators. The 34-year-old is allowing 2.53 goals per game this year with a .915 SV% and four shutouts.
Why the Devils will beat the Senators
- The Devils have won each of their last four night games against Eastern Conference opponents.
- The Devils have covered the puck line in each of their last four games as favorites following a home loss.
- The Senators have failed to cover the puck line in each of their last four games as underdogs following a loss.
- The Devils have won the third period in each of their last four home games against Eastern Conference opponents when trailing after the second period.
Total Goals Facts
- Seventeen of the Devils’ last 19 games as favorites following a loss have gone UNDER the total goals line.
- Each of the Senators’ last five games against the Devils following a home loss have gone OVER the total goals line.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 2’ market has hit in each of the last seven games between the Senators and Devils.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 1′ market has hit in five of the Senators’ last six games following a home loss.
Matchup/League Facts
- The New Jersey Devils rank 4th in the league in penalty kill percentage this season (82.65%).
- 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 Ottawa Senators rank T4th in the league in short-handed goals this season (9).
- The Ottawa Senators rank 7th in the league for shots per game this season (29.3).
Devils vs Senators Prediction
The Devils won six of the previous ten H2H encounters, including two of the last three, while this season’s series is tied at 1-1. I don’t expect a high-scoring affair here, not only because the Devils are 26-42-2 Over/Under this season, but because they are playing without their best player Jack Hughes. It’s going to be a tight clash and probably decided by one goal. Jesper Bratt and Nico Hischier are playing well and I am backing them to secure two points for the Devils.