In a matchup that’s sure to grab the attention of NHL fans, the New Jersey Devils (2-1-1, 6th in Metropolitan Division) and the Montreal Canadiens (2-1-1, 6th in Atlantic Division) are set to face off at Montreal’s storied Bell Centre. Both squads have had a mixed bag of results in their early-season outings but are riding the momentum of thrilling overtime victories. This showdown promises to be a feast for stat geeks and bettors alike, especially with young talents like Jack Hughes and Cole Caufield looking to steal the spotlight.

Devils Riding the Hughes Wave

The New Jersey Devils are sitting at 6th in the Metropolitan Division. Their most recent game was a heart-stopper against the New York Islanders that ended in a 5-4 overtime victory. Star Jack Hughes stole the show with two goals and two assists, showcasing why he’s considered one of the league’s rising stars. On special teams, the Devils have been a powerhouse, boasting a league-leading power play conversion rate of 42.9%. Their penalty kill, however, leaves room for improvement, with a 70.6% success rate.

In the goaltending department, Akira Schmid and Vitek Vanecek have been holding down the fort, albeit with mixed results. Schmid sports a goals against average (GAA) of 3.30 and a save percentage (SV%) of .892. Vanecek’s stats are similar, with a GAA of 3.62 and a SV% of .892. These numbers, although not terrible, indicate that the Devils’ netminders will need to elevate their game as the season progresses. Offensively, Jack Hughes has been the torchbearer, accumulating 10 points, including 4 goals and 6 assists. 

Important to note is the Devils’ performance in their last five games, where New Jersey won three and lost two, one of those in a shootout. They’ve scored 19 goals in those games, reflecting their offensive potency. What stands out is their resilience in bouncing back from losses; their overtime win against the Islanders came right after two straight losses. This ability to rebound shows a mental toughness that could serve them well, especially in Tuesday’s game with Montreal. Their power play has been instrumental in these wins, and if they maintain this form, they could very well dominate the special teams battle against the Canadiens.

New Jersey Devils Team Facts

• The Devils have won each of their last seven games at Bell Centre.
• The underdogs have covered the puck line in each of the Devils’ last six games.
• The Devils have won the third period in each of their last seven games at Bell Centre.
• The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 2′ market has hit in 17 of the Devils’ last 18 games as favorites against opponents on a winning streak.

Canadiens Seeking to Solidify Their Game

The Montreal Canadiens are also in a similar spot, placed 6th in the Atlantic Division. Their latest outing was a 3-2 overtime win against the Washington Capitals, where Cole Caufield emerged as the hero. While their power play has been less than impressive at 11.8%, their penalty kill has been more robust, with a 79.2% success rate. The Canadiens also lead the league in penalty minutes, a stat that could haunt them if they don’t exercise better discipline on the ice.

In goal for the Canadiens, Jake Allen has been the more reliable option, with a GAA of 3.34 and a SV% of .907. Sam Montembeault, the backup, has a GAA of 3.55 and a SV% of .892. Whoever is in net will be seriously tested against the Devils’ high-octane power play and will need to be at the top of their game. On the scoring front, Cole Caufield leads with 5 points, followed closely by Sean Monahan and Nick Suzuki. The Canadiens, however, need to find more consistency in their offensive production, especially on the power play.

Trends show that the Canadiens have been a streaky team in their last five games, recording three wins and two losses. Their win against Washington was a significant confidence booster, especially coming after a 5-2 drubbing from Minnesota. Another trend worth noting is their shot production; the Canadiens average fewer shots on goal compared to the Devils, at 29.0 versus 34.0, respectively. This reduced offensive output puts extra pressure on their goalies and could be a factor in the upcoming game. Given the Devils’ recent form and the Canadiens’ inconsistencies, Montreal will need to tighten up both offensively and defensively to gain the upper hand.

Montreal Canadiens Team Facts

• The road team has won eight of the last nine games between the Devils and Canadiens.
• The road team has covered the puck line in each of the last six games between the Devils and Canadiens.
• The road team has won the third period in each of the last 14 games between the Devils and Canadiens.
• The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 3′ market has hit in each of the Canadiens’ last six games.

David’s Pick – New Jersey Devils (-152)

This contest is a clash of styles, with the Devils’ dynamic power play against the Canadiens’ more balanced approach. While Montreal’s Bell Centre is tough to play in as a visitor, the Devils have been showing signs of more consistency, especially in special teams, that can’t be ignored. The goaltending on both sides isn’t rock-solid, making this a game where the offenses could shine. Given the Devils’ superior power play and the rising star that is Jack Hughes, my money is on New Jersey to edge out Montreal in what promises to be a fast-paced, high-scoring game.