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Devils vs. Ducks: NHL Best Bets, Picks & Predictions (Friday)

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We have a small three-game slate of hockey on Friday with some great matchups. Check out my three best bets for Friday’s NHL slate. And below you’ll find a closer look at Devils vs. Ducks.

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Check out our other best bets for Friday:

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All odds via DraftKings Sportsbook.

Today’s Best NHL Betting Odds & Picks: Devils vs. Ducks

Let’s take a look at my best bets for Friday.

New Jersey Devils (-275) @ Anaheim Ducks (+220) | O/U 6.5 (-115/-105)

The Metropolitan Division’s New Jersey Devils host the Pacific Division’s Anaheim Ducks in a cross-country matchup on Friday. First-period overs have recently been a hot bet in Anaheim’s games, cashing in each of its last eight contests.

This trend should continue in this game as goaltender John Gibson is slated to take the crease for the Ducks. It has been a tough campaign for Gibson, who is 7-18-3 with a .896 save percentage (SV%) and 4.07 goals against average (GAA) through 28 starts.

Based on his metrics, positive regression is unlikely for the veteran netminder. Among starting goaltenders, Gibson ranks 21st in goals saved above expected per 60 minutes (GSAx/60) at 5-on-5.

Unfortunately for Gibson, he starts behind one of the worst defenses in hockey. At 5-on-5, Anaheim ranks last in the league in expected goals against per 60 minutes (xGA/60).

To make matters even worse, the Devils rank first in the league in expected goals per 60 minutes (xGF/60) at 5-on-5. New Jersey will likely cash this first period over by itself, but there is an excellent safety cushion on this play just in case the period ends 1-1.

Best Bet: 1P Over 1.5 (-145)

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Tony Sartori is a featured writer at BettingPros. For more from Tony, check out his archive and follow him @tony_sartori.

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