New Jersey Devils (11-10-1) vs. Seattle Kraken (8-12-6)
The New Jersey Devils (11-10-1) take on the Seattle Kraken (8-12-6) on Thursday night in a non-conference NHL clash. This game features two teams trending in opposite directions recently – the Devils have won 4 of their last 5 while the Kraken have lost 4 of their last 5. NHL betting picks favor New Jersey to continue their hot streak against the struggling Kraken.
The Devils offense has been led by top forwards Jack Hughes and Jesper Bratt, who have combined for 56 points this season. Their speed and skill should pose problems for a Kraken defense that has allowed the 4th-most goals in the league. However, Seattle does have offensive weapons in Vince Dunn, Oliver Bjorkstrand and Jared McCann that could challenge New Jersey’s mediocre defensive group.
Meanwhile, Kraken forwards Dunn, Bjorkstrand and McCann have produced decent numbers, but the team is struggling to score consistently. They face a Devils defense that has been average, so Seattle needs their top players to step up and take advantage of this opportunity. However, New Jersey’s goaltending led by Vitek Vanecek has been inconsistent, which could help the Kraken get their offense going.
New Jersey Devils vs. Seattle Kraken Game Info
| When: | Thursday, December 7, 2023 at 10:30 PM ET |
| Where: | Climate Pledge Arena |
| TV: | ESPN |
| Stream: | NHL.TV |
Goaltender Vitek Vanecek vs. Goaltender Philipp Grubauer
Vitek Vanecek has posted rather poor numbers in net for the Devils this season. Through 15 starts, he owns a subpar 3.49 GAA along with an uninspiring .879 save percentage. These statistics indicate Vanecek has not played at an elite level and could be vulnerable against an offense that finds its groove. Specifically, he has struggled with rebound control, so if Seattle’s top forwards like McCann can pounce on second chances and exploit holes in Vanecek’s technique, the Kraken could exceed expectations offensively even with their recent scoring woes. Simply put, Seattle needs to pressure Vanecek early and often to take control.
On the other side, Grubauer hasn’t done much better statistically for the Kraken this year. He possesses an equally concerning 3.35 GAA thus far. However, New Jersey is not an offensive juggernaut and lacks elite finishing talent across their roster, aspects which could spare Grubauer from getting severely blitzed even on an off night. The Devils have lit the lamp fairly consistently of late, but it’s reasonable to think Grubauer should handle this above-average-not-great group at home. If he plays a steady, fundamentally-sound game, his play in goal can buy time for Seattle’s scorers to eventually come through.
NHL Odds/Point Spread: TBD
The betting odds for this game are not yet available, but they are expected to be closely contested, reflecting the teams’ comparable performances this season. The puckline and moneyline will offer valuable insights into the expected dynamics of the game.
New Jersey Devils Betting Trends
New Jersey’s proficiency lighting the lamp paired with occasional vulnerability defensively in recent games. Specifically, the Devils are netting goals with Hughes, Bratt and Toffoli composing a formidable attack, while also allowing opponents to expose Vanecek’s inconsistent play. This has led to high-scoring affairs. Given the circumstances, New Jersey should thrive trading chances with Seattle thanks to their speed on offense. Vanecek permitting 2-3 goals seems very achievable for a skilled Kraken attack.
Seattle Kraken Betting Trends
For Seattle, collect losing results recently, yet they’ve fared admirably covering spreads as home underdogs this season. And despite offensive struggles to secure wins, signs point to this specific matchup with New Jersey becoming an uptempo, competitive clash. Specifically, the Devils’ poor defense and goaltending should offer the openings for Seattle’s top forwards to finally offer some steady goal support playing on home ice
New Jersey Devils vs. Seattle Kraken 12/7/23 Betting Picks
Based on current form and betting trends, this game seems evenly matched, with both teams having strengths to exploit and weaknesses to guard against. The offensive capabilities of both teams, coupled with the goalies’ performances, suggest a potentially high-scoring affair.
For those looking for the best online betting experience, consider the game’s potential dynamics and individual player performances. Prop bets on key players could offer value, and the over/under bet might lean towards the OVER, considering both teams’ recent scoring trends.
