The Detroit Red Wings (27-15-4) and Boston Bruins (25-19-2) meet in an NHL duel tonight. Puck drop is set for 7:30 p.m. EST at TD Garden in Boston, Mass. The game will be broadcast live on TNT.
The Bruins are favored by -1.5 on the puck line, with the over/under set at 6.5 (+114o / -135u). The Bruins are a -125 favorite to win outright, while the Red Wings are +105 to pull off the upset.
Let's get into my Red Wings vs. Bruins predictions and NHL picks.
Red Wings vs. Bruins Odds, Pick
| Red Wings Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+1.5 -238 | 6.5 +114o / -135u | +105 |
| Bruins Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-1.5 +195 | 6.5 +114o / -135u | -125 |
- Red Wings vs. Bruins Spread: Red Wings +1.5 (-238 ), Bruins -1.5 (+195)
- Red Wings vs. Bruins Over/Under: 6.5 (+114o / -135u)
- Red Wings vs. Bruins Moneyline: Red Wings +105, Bruins -125
Red Wings vs. Bruins Preview
Detroit Red Wings
These two teams faced off a month ago, with the Detroit Red Wings claiming a 5-4 victory. At +105, it’s worth taking a shot on Detroit to produce a similar outcome.
The Red Wings have played strong two-way hockey this season, ranking 12th in expected goals for per 60 minutes (xGF/60) and 10th in expected goals against per 60 minutes (xGA/60). They are one of just six teams to rank inside the top 12 in both of those key categories.
As a result, Detroit ranks eighth in overall expected goal share.
Backing up this balanced profile is goaltender Cam Talbot, who is slated to start Tuesday. Over his past 15 games against the Boston Bruins, Talbot owns a 9-5-1 record with a .918 save percentage and a 2.53 goals-against average.
Boston Bruins
Boston enters this contest in good form, but this may be a spot to sell high. Not only have the Bruins historically struggled against Cam Talbot, they also trail Detroit across each of the three primary analytical categories.
This season, the Red Wings outrank Boston in xGF/60, xGA/60 and overall expected goal share. Boston is also at a disadvantage on special teams.
Entering this matchup, Detroit holds the edge in power-play percentage, penalty-kill efficiency and penalty minutes taken per game. That leaves goaltending as Boston’s main counter, with Jeremy Swayman expected to get the start.
Red Wings vs. Bruins Prediction
Swayman was in net for the previous meeting between these teams and surrendered five goals on 23 shots, finishing with a .783 save percentage in Boston’s 5-4 loss.
The primary reason the Red Wings are listed as underdogs in this matchup is that they’re playing on the second leg of a back-to-back. That concern doesn’t outweigh Detroit’s other advantages, however, as the Red Wings have won two of their past three games in that spot.
Pick: Red Wings Moneyline
