Top NHL Odds, Picks & Predictions: Friday (3/29)
The final Friday of March gives us just one game on the NHL slate with mild playoff implications. The New Jersey Devils will look to cling to their fleeting playoff hopes against the Buffalo Sabres. Who will prevail in this must-win game? Let’s break it down.
Friday’s Best NHL Bets
Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook | 2023-2024 record: 21-13
New Jersey Devils (-118) at Buffalo Sabres (-102), O/U: 6.5
This is an interesting battle between two teams getting better results than their play has warranted. New Jersey enters this game with a goals-for percentage of 53.85% at 5-on-5 over their last 10 games. Buffalo’s goals-for percentage is slightly better. However, both teams’ expected goals-for ratios during this span are well below 50%, indicating both teams might be due for some regression.
The story for the Devils has been lousy goaltending. They’ve completely revamped their goaltending tandem, which now features Jake Allen and Kaapo Kahkonen. The revamp has paid off, as the Devils have posted a save percentage of 92.86% over their last 10 games. If New Jersey had gotten this type of goaltending earlier in the year, their 2023-24 season could’ve been completely different.
Speaking of hot goaltending, Buffalo has gotten stellar play between the pipes from the tandem of Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen and Devon Levi, who both rank inside the top 25 in goals saved above expected. Levi is slated to get the start Friday night.
The Devils are the better team in better form when it comes to controlling possession and generating scoring chances. However, the Devils are a really tough team to trust as a road favorite. My lean would be New Jersey on the side — I’d feel more confident if Allen is in net.
However, the play I like more is under 6.5 goals. Neither team is generating a ton of chances at 5-on-5 and New Jersey’s steadiness in the net has me more interested in taking their unders. Plus, the Sabres’ totals are 22-14 to the under at home.
The pick: Lean Devils -118, lean under 6.5 goals
For more information about hockey betting, check out our informative articles below.
- The Top 5 Bet Types for Beginner NHL Bettors
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- Puck Line Betting Strategy
- Advanced Stats to Improve Your Odds
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