New Jersey Devils vs. Detroit Red Wings Betting Preview
Where: Joe Louis Arena, Detroit
When: Tuesday, January 31, 2017, 7:30 PM ET
Line: New Jersey Devils (+110) vs. Detroit Red Wings (-135); total: 5.5 – view all NHL lines
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Betting on the New Jersey Devils (24-17-8)
Somehow, the Devils still have a shot at making the playoffs despite having 49 points at this juncture of the season. They will have to cobble up wins in bunches soon if they are to qualify in the postseason.
New Jersey is on a two-game skid, losing to Los Angeles (3-1) on Jan. 24 and to Washington (5-2) on Jan. 26 before the break. There’s no shame in losing to those two teams and the Devils should find more confidence against a Detroit team that is nowhere near the caliber of New Jersey’s past two opponents.
Goals have been hard to come by this season for the Devils, who are averaging just 2.2 per contest, 28th in the league. That said, the Devils could find lots of scoring opportunities against Detroit’s defense that has allowed 12 goals in its past four outings. Detroit is 24th in the NHL with 2.9 goals surrendered per game.
Taylor Hall and Kyle Palmieri lead the Devils in goals this season with 11 apiece.
One great sign for New Jersey: the Devils are 4-0 in their last four road games.
Betting on the Detroit Red Wings (30-13-5)
Detroit had plenty of heartbreaks just before the All-Star break, losing three of their past four games in overtimes. The other was a 4-0 drubbing at the hands of Toronto on Jan. 25. There’s still hope for the storied franchise to make the playoffs and extend their streak of postseason appearance to 26 years but lots of work and winning are needed.
Toppling a rebuilding team like New Jersey, however, shouldn’t be too tall of a task for the proud franchise. The Red Wings have already done that earlier this season, defeating New Jersey on the road in overtime, 5-4, on Nov. 25.
Goaltending and puck possession have been big issues for the Red Wings right now with Petr Mrazek and Jared Coreau sputtering in front of the net and the team getting outshot in four of the past five games. That said, the Red Wing were able to get off 33 shots against New Jersey’s 19 in the first meeting.
Detroit is 8-2 in its last 10 home games against the Red Wings.
Writer’s Prediction
New Jersey wins, 3-2.
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