New Jersey Devils vs Pittsburgh Penguins Prediction

ATS PREDICTION

Pittsburgh Penguins Win

Predicted: Penguins 4-2 Devils

⚡70%

The Pittsburgh Penguins enter this game with stronger recent form, having won their last two outings, including a convincing 5-2 victory over Florida, and boast a superior overall season record of 40-22-16 compared to the Devils' 40-35-3. Pittsburgh's offense is significantly more potent, ranking 2nd in the NHL with 277 goals scored, while New Jersey sits at a dismal 26th with 215 goals. Although both teams have gone 5-5 in their last 10 head-to-head matchups, the Penguins have won the last two encounters against the Devils by a 4-1 score each time. The Devils are also reeling from missing the playoffs and firing their general manager, which could impact team morale, and they have struggled significantly at home recently.

SPREAD PREDICTION

Pittsburgh Penguins +1.5 (+1.5)

80%

Given the Penguins' recent winning streak and their superior offensive output, they are well-positioned to either win outright or keep the game very close. The Devils' struggles at home and their poor recent form make covering a -1.5 spread a challenging prospect for them. The +1.5 puck line for the Penguins offers good value and a strong likelihood of hitting.

TOTAL PREDICTION

Over 6.5

65%

While the Devils' offense has struggled overall, the Penguins have been averaging 4.3 goals per game in their last 10, and their last game saw a total of 7 goals. Historically, the Penguins have been involved in high-scoring games, and with offensive talents like Sidney Crosby and Rickard Rakell performing well, the over 6.5 is a reasonable pick, especially with odds of around -106 to +100.

✅ Moneyline: Pittsburgh Penguins

The Penguins are in better form and have a stronger overall season, making them a good value pick for an outright win. Their implied probability from the -105 to -110 odds is slightly lower than their true winning probability based on current performance.

✅ Total Goals: Over 6.5

With Pittsburgh's high-scoring offense (4.3 G/G last 10) and both teams' goaltending not being stellar, there's a good chance this game goes over 6.5 goals. The even money odds on the over present a good value.

✅ Anytime Goal Scorer: Rickard Rakell (PIT)

Rickard Rakell is on an 8-game point streak with 13 goals in his last 17 outings, and 11 goals in his past 10 games, making him a prime candidate to score. His current form indicates a higher chance of scoring than the implied odds might suggest.

💰 Sharp Money

Expected to be on Pittsburgh due to their recent strong form, superior offensive metrics, and the Devils' current struggles, even with the slightly favored Devils moneyline in some markets. Line movement: Initial lines are close, but a potential shift towards Pittsburgh's moneyline or puck line (-1.5) is anticipated, especially if Stuart Skinner is confirmed to start for the Penguins.