The New Jersey Devils and Pittsburgh Penguins meet Thursday in NHL action at the PPG Paints Arena. Here’s a Penguins vs Devils Prediction. This article will include a Penguins vs Devils Pick.
New Jersey Devils Betting Preview
The New Jersey Devils lost to the Hurricanes and Islanders, and they play the Jets next. The Devils have lost 6 of their last 8 games.
The New Jersey Devils are averaging 2.58 goals per game and are scoring 20.2 percent of their power play opportunities. Nico Hischier leads New Jersey with 12 goals, Jesper Bratt has 24 assists and Timo Meier has 131 shots on goal. Defensively, the New Jersey Devils are allowing 3.09 goals per game and are killing 77.5 percent of their opponent’s power plays. Jacob Markstrom has allowed 71 goals on 580 shots faced, while Jake Allen has given up 55 goals on 621 shots.
Pittsburgh Penguins Betting Preview
The Pittsburgh Penguins beat the Red Wings and Blue Jackets, and they play the Flames next. The Penguins have won 5 straight games.
The Pittsburgh Penguins are averaging 3.27 goals per game and are scoring 29.7 percent of their power play opportunities. Sidney Crosby leads Pittsburgh with 24 goals, Erik Karlsson has 28 assists, and Bryan Rust has 102 shots on goal. Defensively, the Pittsburgh Penguins are allowing 3.07 goals per game and are killing 81.5 percent of their opponent’s power plays. Arturs Silovs has allowed 59 goals on 509 shots faced, while Tristan Jarry has given up 36 goals on 396 shots.
Why the Pittsburgh Penguins will win
- The Devils have lost seven of their last eight games against Metropolitan Division opponents.
- The Penguins have won each of their last five games.
- The Penguins have covered the puck line in each of their last seven games against Metropolitan Division opponents.
- The Devils have failed to cover the puck line in seven of their last eight games against Metropolitan Division opponents.
- The Devils have lost the second period in seven of their last eight games against Eastern Conference opponents.
Why the New Jersey Devils will win
- The Devils have won each of their last five games as road underdogs.
- The Penguins have lost six of their last seven games as home favorites following a road win.
- The Penguins have failed to cover the puck line in each of their last seven games as home favorites following a road win.
- The Devils have covered the puck line in each of their last six games as road underdogs.
- The Penguins have lost the second period in each of their last six home games when trailing after the first period.
Total Goals Facts
- Eleven of the Penguins’ last 12 home games against Metropolitan Division opponents have gone OVER the total goals line.
- Each of the Devils’ last four games against opponents on a winning streak have gone UNDER the total goals line.
- Five of the last six games between teams from the same division have gone OVER the total goals line.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 1′ market has hit in each of the Penguins’ last eight games.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 2′ market has hit in 15 of the Devils’ last 16 night games at PPG Paints Arena.
Pittsburgh Penguins Player Prop Facts
- Sidney Crosby has scored the first goal in three of the Penguins’ last four games against Metropolitan Division opponents.
- Sidney Crosby has scored at least one goal in each of the Penguins’ last four games against Metropolitan Division opponents.
- Erik Karlsson has recorded at least one assist in each of the Penguins’ last six home games.
- Justin Brazeau ranks 1st amongst qualified players for shooting percentage (25.0%) this season.
New Jersey Devils Player Prop Facts
- Nico Hischier has scored at least one goal in each of his last four road appearances against the Penguins.
- Jack Hughes has recorded at least one assist in each of his last seven Thursday road appearances.
- Brett Pesce has scored five career goals against the Penguins – most against any opponent (including playoffs).
Matchup/League Facts
- The Pittsburgh Penguins rank 2nd in the league in power play percentage this season (29.73%).
- The Pittsburgh Penguins have suffered the equal-most losses when leading after Period 2 this season (6).
- The New Jersey Devils rank T30th in the league for goals per game this season (2.58).
- The New Jersey Devils rank T1st in the league in short handed goals allowed this season (0).
Penguins vs Devils Prediction
The Devils have won 7 of the last 10 games against the Penguins, so you can make a case for the road team. However, the Devils have been outscored 1-12 in their last two games. Don’t look now, but the Penguins have won 5 straight games and their offense has caught fire. You can argue the Penguins are a better team on the road, but in a near pick em spot, I’m going to give the edge to the home team in better form. I’ll ride the hot hand and side with the Penguins.