New Jersey Devils (6-3-1) vs. Chicago Blackhawks (3-6-0)
As the New Jersey Devils, boasting a sturdy 6-3-1 record, prepare to face off against the Chicago Blackhawks, who are currently lagging behind with a 3-6-0 standing, the anticipation for this Sunday night encounter is mounting. The United Center will bear witness to this NHL regular season clash, presenting fans and bettors with a potentially high-stakes battle on the ice. This game, besides being a crucial one for the teams involved, also draws significant attention from the daily NHL picks community due to the contrasting performances of both teams so far this season.
The New Jersey Devils enter this matchup boasting an offensive lineup that can only be described as explosive. Center Jack Hughes and Left Wing Jesper Bratt have been outstanding, combining for 38 points in just 10 games thanks to Hughes’ playmaking and Bratt’s finishing ability – they pose a consistent threat against opponents. How they fare against an Blackhawks defense which has allowed an average of close to three goals per game will be key in this matchup; given their recent offensive form – going OVER on total points every five times – indicates they may pose formidable forces when up against such opponents!
Chicago Blackhawks players, on the other hand, have struggled to establish consistent offensive rhythm throughout this season. Team leaders Corey Perry and Connor Bedard have shown flashes of brilliance but have failed to translate that into consistent game-winning performances. Bedard has made an admirable effort as a center, recording 6 points in 9 games for an impressive showing, but against an upstanding Devils goaltending performance his game must continue to develop even further. The Blackhawks’ offensive impact will largely depend on their ability to penetrate New Jersey Devils goaltender Vitek Vanecek’s defense, who despite possessing a higher-than-desired goals-against average has demonstrated his ability to make key saves when needed.
New Jersey Devils vs. Chicago Blackhawks Game Info
When: | Sunday, November 5, 2023 at 7:00 PM ET |
Where: | United Center |
TV: | NHL |
Stream: | NHL.TV |
Goaltender Vitek Vanecek vs. Goaltender Petr Mrazek
Vitek Vanecek of the Devils has been a workhorse this season, clocking in nearly 400 minutes of ice time. While his goals against average may not be stellar, a save percentage of .893 indicates that he is facing a high volume of shots and is a significant backbone for the Devils. Against a Blackhawks offense that has been less than prolific, Vanecek’s resilience in goal will be critical.
For the Blackhawks, Petr Mrazek has been showing promising form with a .917 save percentage in 6 games. His experience and ability to come up with big saves could be a deciding factor in frustrating the Devils’ top scorers. As Mrazek goes, so too will the Blackhawks’ chances in this matchup.
NHL Odds/Point Spread: New Jersey Devils -192, Total Odds: 5.5
The current betting odds are leaning heavily towards the Devils, with the moneyline set at -192, indicating confidence from the oddsmakers in their ability to secure a win. The puckline suggests they are favored to win by more than a goal, providing a more lucrative option for bettors seeking greater returns. With both teams showing a tendency for their games to go OVER in the total points recently, the set total of 5.5 with -175 odds on the OVER is an interesting point for bettors to consider.
New Jersey Devils Betting Trends
The Devils have been hot, winning 4 out of their last 5 games. However, their record against the spread is less impressive, sitting at 2-3. This inconsistency could give pause to those looking to back them at the current puckline. Their ability to score, as reflected in the OVER hitting in their last 5 games, makes the total points bet an appealing trend for bettors to potentially capitalize on.
Chicago Blackhawks Betting Trends
While the Blackhawks’ overall record may not inspire confidence, they have been decent against the spread, going 3-2 in their last 5 games. This might suggest that they are often underrated by oddsmakers, giving them an edge as a potential underdog bet, especially with the +1.5 puckline. Their last 5 games have seen the total go OVER twice, indicating a less consistent scoring pattern, which might concern OVER bettors.
New Jersey Devils vs. Chicago Blackhawks 11/5/23 Betting Picks
In synthesizing the aforementioned data and trends, the Devils emerge as the favorites for a reason. Their offensive firepower and decent goaltending give them the edge in this matchup. However, the Blackhawks playing at home with a goaltender who is capable of stealing games makes this encounter far from a foregone conclusion.
Considering the Devils’ offensive prowess and the Blackhawks’ tendency to let in goals, the OVER on total points seems like a promising pick. However, with Mrazek’s current form, he could very well keep the Blackhawks in the game, making the +1.5 puckline for the Blackhawks an attractive proposition for those looking at underdog value.
For those seeking the best online betting experience, the New Jersey Devils appear to be a solid straight-up pick, but for spread bettors, the Chicago Blackhawks at +1.5 could offer a safer edge. As always, responsible wagering is recommended, taking into account the comprehensive analysis and betting trends presented.
Free Pick and Prediction: New Jersey Devils 4, Chicago Blackhawks 2