NHL Odds, Prediction: Devils vs Ducks Preview (March 1)
Photo by Rich Graessle/NHLI via Getty Images. Pictured: Jack Hughes.
Devils vs Ducks Odds
| Devils Odds | -285 |
| Ducks Odds | +228 |
| Over / Under | 6.5 -120o / +100u |
Here's everything you need to know about the New Jersey Devils vs. Anaheim Ducks on Friday, March 1 – our expert NHL prediction and pick.
Devils vs Ducks odds have the Devils installed as -285 favorites on the moneyline while the Ducks are +228 underdogs. The game total over/under is set at 6.5.
The Devils made noise last year, but this year has been anything but that. Looking at the playoff race from the outside, they’re still five points out, and haven’t helped themselves when needed. Luckily, being on the road is where New Jersey is most comfortable, with a 16-10-2 record.
Anaheim has been a bad team since the start of the season. It has had its spurts, but this was a rebuilding team from the jump. The Ducks have gone 4-5-1 in their last 10, but they’re not a very strong team at home, only posting an 8-20-1 record.
Continue reading below for my Devils vs Ducks prediction and pick.
New Jersey is really sniffing around the trade market, but it’s not for the lack of talent up front. Jesper Bratt was an All-Star this year and averages over a point per game (22 goals, 61 points) and Jack Hughes is already a superstar (19 goals, 55 points). Captain Nico Hischier and Tyler Toffoli are both strong options as well, with each netting over 20 goals.
The Devils’ 5-on-5 offense is stellar, and has been among the best in the league the last month. They’re ranked fourth in expected goals with a 54.86 xGF%, but defensively, they’re lacking at a 3.46 xGA/60.
With all that firepower up front, it’s no wonder New Jersey’s power play is strong at 22%. The penalty kill is also fairly decent at 79%.
What has been a massive pain point in New Jersey is the goaltending. The Devils have rolled out three goaltenders for at least 16 games each and all have a sub .900 SV%. Nico Daws seems to be the guy that they’ve relied on, but with his .897 SV% and a 0.8 goals saved above expected (GSAx), there’s only so much they can do.
Similarly, the Ducks are looking to sell off their pieces. The statuses of lead scorer Frank Vatrano and Adam Henrique are up in the air, so until further notice, they’ll probably suit up. There’s a lot of young talent here, and it’s led by Troy Terry and Mason McTavish — both of whom have had great five game stretches.
To the surprise of no one, the Ducks have played horribly 5-on-5 in February. They’re second worst with a 37.36 xGF% and sixth worst defensively at 3.6 xGA/60. What is working for Anaheim is its power play. For the past 10 games, it’s scored at a 23% clip, which ranks sixth. However, the penalty kill is at a second-worst 69% success rate.
With John Gibson starting last night, we’ll see Lukáš Dostál tonight. There’s a lot of potential for Dostál, but he’s stuck on a bad team. In his past 10 starts, he’s played to an .880 SV%, and for the season, he has a horrible -6.5 GSAx.
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Devils vs. Ducks
Betting Pick & Prediction
We have ourselves two teams that often lets up pucks in their own net. Anaheim averages 3.55 goals allowed per game, whereas New Jersey averages 3.46.
Given how poorly both have played on the defensive end, I can definitely see this game going over the total. Not only that, but the Ducks’ special teams are incredibly volatile. The penalty kill is terrible and the power play is strong.
I’m expecting a lot of goals tonight, so strap in for late night fireworks.
Pick: Over 6.5
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