Devils will take on a Hurricanes team that want to bounce back from a rocky start
The 2024-25 NHL Season has already kicked off but the two team for tonight’s game haven’t played the same amount of games.
The New-jersey Devils have already taken the lead int the Metropolitan division with 4 wins in 5 games played. The last one occurred last night against the brand new Utah Hockey Club with a 3-0 win.
The Hurricanes are favored at -150 odds, with a 60% implied chance to win, while the Devils, currently +130 underdogs, have shown solid form early this season.
Last season, Carolina demonstrated strength with a 63.9% win rate as favorites and maintained a consistent defensive front, allowing just 2.6 goals per game. They closed last season with a second-best goal differential of +66, underscoring their ability to dominate both ends of the rink.
On the other hand, the Devils have kicked off this season on a high note, holding a 4-1-0 record and bringing an impressive offensive form to tonight’s game.
New Jersey is averaging 3.4 goals per game and has a shooting percentage of 12.1%, a significant factor for those looking to bet on a Devils upset.
But let’s not forget that the Devils will be on back-to-back game, and this early in the season, trip fatigue hits much sooner than later in the season.
Still, Carolina’s defensive strength at home might make the Hurricanes a safer pick
Both teams have shown defensive resilience early this season, and with the line set at 6.5 goals, a bet on the under might be more favorable.
The Devils’ defense, allowing just 1.8 goals per game, is anchored by Dougie Hamilton and Johnathan Kovacevic, who have each contributed crucial turnovers and blocked shots.
They’ve allowed just one power play goal in 11 attempts, ranking among the top teams in penalty killing this season.
Carolina, despite an opening loss, boasts a similarly robust defensive lineup led by Jaccob Slavin and Shayne Gostisbehere. They allowed an average of only 2.6 goals per game last season and will likely tighten their defensive lines after conceding four goals recently.
With both teams reinforcing their defenses, this matchup could trend towards a lower-scoring affair, making under 6.5 goals an appealing option.
Photo Credit: Ed Mulholland-Imagn Images
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