New Jersey Devils (29-25-4) vs. Anaheim Ducks (20-35-3)
The New Jersey Devils take on the Anaheim Ducks on Friday night in a cross-conference NHL matchup. The Devils sit fourth in the Metropolitan division while the Ducks are seventh in the Pacific division. This game features two teams at opposite ends of the standings, making for an intriguing hockey pick today.
The Devils offense is led by left winger Jesper Bratt, who paces the team with 59 points (21 goals, 38 assists). Bratt excels on the power play, with 6 PPGs and 15 PPA. Center Jack Hughes has also been superb, registering 52 points (18 goals, 34 assists) in just 42 games. However, Hughes has a dismal -10 rating. New Jersey will need these two to continue their stellar play versus Anaheim’s 20th-ranked defense (3.45 goals against per game).
For the Ducks, right winger Frank Vatrano has exploded offensively in his first season, notching 45 points (26 goals, 19 assists) in 58 contests. However, he sports an ugly -18 plus/minus rating. Young center Mason McTavish has also impressed, recording 39 points (17 goals, 22 assists) in just 50 games. These two spearhead an Anaheim attack that ranks 21st in scoring (2.93 goals per game). They’ll be up against a solid Devils defense led by goalie Vitek Vanecek (.917 save percentage).
New Jersey Devils vs. Anaheim Ducks Game Info
| When: | Friday, March 1, 2024, at 10:00 PM ET |
| Where: | Honda Center |
| TV: | ESPN+ |
| Stream: | NHL.TV |
Goaltender Vitek Vanecek vs. Goaltender John Gibson
Vitek Vanecek has been exceptional between the pipes for New Jersey this season. In 32 games played, he’s compiled a 17-9-3 record with a 2.34 goals against average and .917 save percentage. Vanecek has already faced 767 shots against and made an impressive 767 saves. He posts these numbers despite facing heavy shot totals nightly. Vanecek averages 24.9 shots per 60 minutes. Advanced metrics also showcase Vanecek’s dominance, as he owns a 9.2 goals saved above average. This demonstrates that an average goaltender would allow nine more goals with Vanecek’s workload. He excels on high-danger chances too, stopping nearly 86% of shots from the slot and crease area. Vanecek’s poise and technical ability shine through on breakaways and odd-man rushes as well.
Meanwhile, Anaheim’s John Gibson has floundered this season. His 12-20-2 record and 3.12 GAA are career worsts by a sizable margin. Gibson faces slightly lighter shot totals than Vanecek but has struggled mightily. He owns a subpar .899 save percentage along with -8.5 goals saved above average. This shows that even an average goalie would perform better in Gibson’s place. With Anaheim allowing tons of grade-A chances, Gibson figures to be peppered by New Jersey’s dynamic offense.
NHL Odds/Point Spread: TBD, Total Odds: TBD
The betting odds for this game are yet to be determined, but given the standings and recent performances, the Devils are likely to enter as favorites. Bettors should keep an eye on the puck line and moneyline as they become available, considering the Devils’ offensive capabilities and the Ducks’ home record.
New Jersey Devils Betting Trends
The Devils come into this matchup having won 3 of their last 5 contests. However, they have struggled against the spread recently, going just 1-4 ATS over their past 5 outings. New Jersey has fared well against the number away from home though, posting a 15-12 road ATS record this season. The Devils’ games have also been high-scoring lately, going OVER the total in 4 of their previous 5. For the year, 18 of New Jersey’s 30 road games have finished OVER the posted total.
Anaheim Ducks Betting Trends
Anaheim enters this game in poor form, losing 4 of their past 5 matches. The Ducks have been slightly better against the number of late, covering in 2 of their previous 5. They also boast an impressive 17-12 home ATS record this season. Like New Jersey, Anaheim has seen lots of goals in its recent games, going OVER the total in 3 of its last 5 contests. For the season, the Ducks have played OVERs in 12 of their 29 home games.
New Jersey Devils vs. Anaheim Ducks 3/1/24 Betting Picks
Analysis and betting trends point towards the Devils being the stronger team entering this matchup. Their offensive firepower led by Bratt and Hughes combined with Vanecek’s consistent goaltending gives them the advantage over an inconsistent Ducks squad.
In this matchup, the Devils should be considered the superior pick due to their potential to exploit Ducks defensive weaknesses. While total goals scored remains TBD for this contest, recent history shows both teams favoring an Over. Bettors may want to watch for prop bets focused on Devils offensive leaders or consider total goals scored when selecting bets. This prediction relies on the Devils’ offensive prowess and superior team structure to outwit and defeat the Ducks, making them the go-to pick when using best bookie software.
