The Pittsburgh Penguins (10-6-2) travel to Newark to face the division rival New Jersey Devils (5-8-4) at Prudential Center Friday at 7 p.m. ET. We analyze the Penguins-Devils odds and lines while providing NHL betting tips around this matchup.
Penguins at Devils: Projected starting goalies
Matt Murray vs. MacKenzie Blackwood
Murray is projected to get the start Friday in New Jersey. He has a 9-3-2 record for Pittsburgh with a 2.39 goals against average and .914 save percentage. Murray has looked decent of late, allowing eight goals on his last 81 shots faced while winning two of his previous three starts.
Blackwood is confirmed to start again for the Devils. He is 5-4-3 with a 2.94 GAA and .895 save percentage. Blackwood took the home loss Wednesday against Ottawa after yielding three goals on 24 shots.
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Penguins at Devils: Odds, picks and betting tips
Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full set of today’s betting odds. Odds last updated at 9:55 a.m. ET.
Prediction
Penguins 4, Devils 3
Moneyline (ML)
The PENGUINS (-139) are dealing with far more injuries than the Devils. They are without C Sidney Crosby and D Kris Letang, and yet, are still road favorites Friday night. New Jersey gives up 3.78 goals per game at home and has a porous penalty kill.
It will be a high-event and chaotic game but take the Penguins on the moneyline.
A $10 bet with Pittsburgh results in a $7.19 profit with a Penguins’ win.
Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)
The Devils are 5-12 against the spread which is dead last in the entire NHL. Part of the problem is their style of play which just does not lead to convincing victories. Most of their games are decided by one goal or include an empty-net tally. AVOID.
Over/Under (O/U)
The OVER 5.5 (-154) is a safe play Friday night. That 5.5 number just makes for an easier bet with a little less profit. Do not overthink this one. There will be goals.
Placing a $10 bet here will give a bettor a decent $6.49 profit with a total of six or more goals scored.
Want some action on this matchup? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.
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