NHL Best Bets: Devils vs. Red Wings Game Picks

The Detroit Red Wings and New Jersey Devils look to break out of their recent slumps when they face off from Little Caesar’s Arena tonight.

All Odds Courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook

New Jersey Devils (-172) vs. Detroit Red Wings (+140) Total: 6.5 (O -105, U -115)

There hasn’t been much going right for either the Devils or Red Wings, as each side looks to turn things around. The Devils were red-hot through the first two months but largely struggled through December, posting a 2-6-2 record over their last ten games. Detroit hasn’t been much better over that same sample size at 3-5-2. 

The Devils and Red Wings have met twice this year, with tonight being the final of three meetings. Detroit opened the season series with a 5-2 victory, while the Devils countered with a 6-2 win.

Looking toward the projected goalie matchup, the visiting Devils are expected to continue riding Mackenzie Blackwood, while the Red Wings should do the same with Magnus Hellberg. The Devils netminder has a 5-3-1 record with a .888 save percentage, while Hellberg is 3-2 with a .906 save percentage. Neither starter should inspire much confidence, but Blackwood has an edge in terms of career experience. 

With both previous matchups being decided by multiple goals, there’s merit in targeting the favorite on the puck line. As a result, turning towards the Devils to win this game by numerous goals has some value, currently priced at an appetizing number of +152. 

Best Bet: Devils puck line -1.5 (+152)

Goal scoring has been a strength of the Devils, which has them eighth in the NHL. On the other hand, allowing goals has been a big problem for the Red Wings, sitting 20th. Both games saw these teams combine to score more than seven goals in each matchup, so expect a high-scoring affair tonight. The total for this matchup is currently set at 6.5, with the over at -105 and the under at -115. Based on their previous matchups, bettors should lean toward the over tonight.

Best Bet: Over 6.5 (-115)

With the Devils looking to break out of their losing ways, they will need some of their top players to start performing. Jack Hughes has been trying to do that, leading the team with four goals over their last five games. Hughes also leads the Devils in points with 42 and is demonstrating why he’s one of the most talented players in the NHL. With Detroit allowing 3.30 goals per game, there’s value in backing Hughes to light the lamp at +140 on the board. 

Best Prop: Jack Hughes to Record Over 0.5 Goals (+140)