Devils vs. Penguins: NHL Best Bets, Picks & Predictions (Friday)
We have a small four-game slate of hockey on Friday with some great matchups. Below, I give out my three best bets for Friday’s NHL slate. And here’s a closer look at Devils vs. Penguins.
Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook
Top 3 NHL Betting Odds, Picks & Predictions: Devils vs. Penguins
New Jersey Devils (+105) @ Pittsburgh Penguins (-125) | O/U 6 (-120/+100)
In the marquee matchup of Friday’s slate, there is a Metropolitan Division tilt with the third-place Pittsburgh Penguins hosting the second-place New Jersey Devils. Very rarely can we catch New Jersey at plus money, primarily because the Devils are just 1-7-1 over their last nine games.
However, now is the time to buy low on one of the league’s best teams after an uncharacteristic slide. At 5-on-5, New Jersey ranks first in the league in xGF/60 and second in xGA/60.
While Pittsburgh is undoubtedly a strong team as well, they rank below the Devils in both of those key categories. However, my bigger concern with the Penguins is the lack of health on their blue line.
Many Penguins fans will tell you that the defense has been a problem over the past couple of months, and the current injury report will make that sentiment even worse. Jeff Petry is on IR, while Chad Ruhwedel and Kris Letang are both considered day-to-day.
A thin blue line is a recipe for disaster against an offensive powerhouse like New Jersey. In a key divisional battle, the Devils should be able to take advantage of this depleted blue line and get back on track against the Penguins at plus money.
Best Bet: Devils ML (+105)
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