New Jersey Devils (32-22-6) vs. Vegas Golden Knights (35-18-6)
March 2, 2025 8:00 pm EDT
The Line: Vegas Golden Knights -155 / New Jersey Devils 130; Over/Under: 5.5
(Get latest betting odds)
In this article, we will formulate a Golden Knights vs Devils Prediction for this NHL game on Sunday, March 2nd at the T-Mobile Arena. Let’s take a look at a Vegas Golden Knights vs New Jersey Devils pick.
Can Golden Knights Offense Build?
The Golden Knights offense has been a little inconsistent the last couple of weeks, but the offense sure made an impression on Thursday. The defense gave up five goals to the Chicago Blackhawks, but the offense made a statement, scoring seven. At the end of the first period, they were up 5-1, and even though the defense wasn’t as strong, they still held on. Ivan Barbashev was the show’s star, putting up two goals and two assists. Keegan Kolesar also added another two goals. Ilya Samsonov was in goal, and he looked lost at times, giving up five goals on 22 shots. Two games ago, against the LA Kings, the defense looked lost again, giving up five goals.
It’s a bit surprising how bad the defense has been in the last couple of games because it has been suitable for most of this season. The Golden Knights’ defense is giving up 2.78 goals per game, the 8th best in the league. Samsonov could get the start in goal, but he will need to be a lot better. He has a 14-8-2 record and gives up 2.91 goals per game.
Why the Golden Knights Will Win
- The Devils have lost each of their last six games following a road win.
- The Golden Knights have won 12 of their last 13 Sunday home games.
- The Devils have failed to cover the puck line in each of their last eight games following a road win.
- The Golden Knights have covered the puck line in each of their last five games against the Devils.
- The Devils have lost the first period in five of their last six games following a road win.
Devils on Tired Legs
The Devils are skating into this game on tired legs after their game on Saturday night against the Utah Hockey Club. Two games ago, the Devils were knocked off by the Colorado Avalanche. The defense wasn’t bad until the third period when they gave up four goals, which led to the 5-1 defeat. Jack Hughes has been a bright spot all season and scored the only goal. The biggest problem for the Devils in the last couple of weeks has been inconsistency. They score four or five goals or fail to score more than one. Getting some inconsistency back for New Jersey would be helpful.
The Devils are averaging 3.03 goals, while their defense is giving up 2.5 goals per game. They have leaned on the defense all season, and it must improve. With Nico Daws starting on Saturday, Jake Allen is expected to be in goal here. He has been a little inconsistent at times but sits with a 9-13-1 record and gives up 2.7 goals per game. The Devils have lost four of the last five starts by Allen, and in each of those losses, he has given up at least three goals.
Golden Knights vs Devils Prediction
Both of these squads have been slightly inconsistent heading into this game, but this might be the game the Golden Knights need to go on a run. Not only will the Devils be on tired legs, but they are also sending out Jake Allen, who has been awful, heading into this game. Not only have the Devils been losing his starts, but he has also been struggling to see the puck. It’s not like he’s standing on his head and he’s not getting any goal support, he’s just been flat out awful. The Golden Knights lit the lamp seven times in the last game, and here, the results will be the same. Vegas will take Jake Allen behind the woodshed early, and the Golden Knights will cruise. Back Vegas on the money line.
