Bruins vs Devils Predictions: Top Contenders Face Off
Contenders Do Things Quite Differently
NHL Odds are Tight Between Boston and NJ
It’s a toss-up game when the Boston Bruins and New Jersey Devils meet this Wednesday night. At least, that’s what the NHL betting odds leaning slightly in favor of the Devils with the moneyline at -115. Boston has a sizable edge in goal, which also happens to be New Jersey’s Achilles’ heel. The total for the game is six, juiced heavily to the over at -125.
But the Devils have the NHL’s most explosive power plays. The Bruins vs Devils predictions could go all over the place as we dive deeper here.
Bruins vs Devils 
Day/Time:
Location: Prudential Center, Newark, NJ
Stream: TNT
Boston vs New Jersey: Which Special Teams is More Special?
What happens when the NHL’s top penalty kill meets the NHL’s top power play? A low-scoring game as the NHL odds’ total of six alleges. Boston has held opponents to just 2.5 goals per game partly because of a penalty kill (PK) that stops nearly 90% of opponents’ power plays (PP). A big part of that is goaltending.
Jeremy Swayman and Linus Ullmark remain the NHL’s top netminding duo with a combined save percentage (SV%) of 92.4% and goals saved above average (GSAA) of 16.8. Boston has allowed just 10 PP goals all season and is +9 in special teams goal differential despite being on the PK 16 times more than the PP.
These last metrics are key as Boston is the eighth-most penalized team in the NHL (118 penalties in minutes). Even if Boston is uncanny on the PK and one of the NHL’s stingiest teams, its defense has dipped in recent games.
Boston has allowed 3+ goals in seven of its last 10 NHL games. That’s why the total has gone over in eight of its last 12 meetings. It can ill-afford to be this “generous” when facing the Devils and their infernal PP.
New Jersey is scoring over 3.6 goals per game, which is the fourth-most in the NHL. Its PP is firing at a blistering 34.1%. Over 30% of its goals (92) have come from the man advantage (28). But despite this incredible rate, New Jersey is struggling in the NHL standings.
The Devils are -2 and just 7-19 on the puck line. The Devils’ have a poor PK (75.6%) and miserable goaltending. That’s why 72% of their games have gone over the total (18-7-1).
Even Strength, Even Stats?
New Jersey is in dire need of better goaltending. The tandem of Vitek Vanecek and Akira Schmid have an SV% of 88.9% and a GSAA of -11.7. Contrast this with Boston’s goaltenders and you see the edge Boston has. But combining recent form and 5-on-5 play, there is a reason why the Bruins vs Devils predictions are not leaning toward Boston.
The Bruins are not the same dominant two-way team it was last season. Losing Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci hurt Boston. Now, the team gets out-possessed and outshot. But critically, Boston still averages more scoring chances and is top three in PDO if you combine shooting percentage (SH%) and SV%.
The Devils look much better on 5-on-5, statistically. They are in the upper half in possession and scoring chance metrics. However, the team ranks below average in SH% and SV%. Hence, the team is in the bottom quarter of the league in PDO.
Looking at these stats, Boston looks like a good hockey prediction for Dec. 13. The team has the edge on goaltending, and special NHL teams, and is the likelier team to score if you look at shooting percentages.
However, the Devils are likelier to out-possess Boston and put up more shots on goal. This game may resemble the first one they played early last season where New Jersey outshot Boston 40-23 but still lost 4-3. The Devils even scored on the PP.
Boston even swept New Jersey last season (3-0-0). So given what we see here, the sharp Bruins vs Devils prediction should be on the visitor.
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