Chicago Blackhawks at New Jersey Devils odds, picks, and prediction

Analyzing Friday’s Chicago Blackhawks at New Jersey Devils odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Chicago Blackhawks (0-1) and New Jersey Devils (0-0) tangle Friday at the Prudential Center in Newark, N.J. Puck drop is slated for 7 p.m. ET.  Below, we look at the Blackhawks vs. Devils odds and lines, and make our expert NHL picks, predictions and bets.

Chicago is coming off a loss Wednesday at Colorado. The Blackhawks yielded three goals over a six-minute stretch in the opening period and played catch-up the rest of the evening against a strong Avalanche club. Shot and expected-goal analytics were in line with the 4-2 final.

The Devils – like the ‘Hawks – open the season as a prospective playoff bubble team and one with concerns on defense. New Jersey allowed the fourth-most goals in the NHL last season. The Devils got off to a decent start last season and then went 13-27-5 and yielded 3.64 goals per game over their last 45 contests.

Blackhawks at Devils odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 3 p.m. ET.

  • Money line: Blackhawks +115 (bet $100 to win $115) | Devils -140 (bet $140 to win $100)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Blackhawks +1.5 (-230) | Devils -1.5 (+170)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 6.5 (O: -107 | U: -115)

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Blackhawks at Devils projected goalies

Kevin Lankinen (last season: 17-14-5, 3.01 GAA, .909 SV%) vs. Jonathan Bernier (last season: 9-11-1 2.99 GAA, .914 SV%)

Lankinen is now in a defined No. 2 role and gets the start after G Marc-Andre Fleury was between the pipes Wednesday in Denver.

Bernier comes over from the Detroit Red Wings, where he recorded a 3.30 GAA and .893 SV% in four games against the Blackhawks last season. The 33-year-old veteran has a history as a somewhat slow starter and strong finisher.

Blackhawks at Devils odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Devils 5, Blackhawks 3

Money line

AVOID the big prices here, figuring the true odds-level pricing being sandwiched in an all-too-overflowing middle.

Against the spread

A few injuries on the blue lines at both ends, the lack of an elite goaltender and two teams further along offensively – it all spells a strong lean on the Over (see below).

The price on New Jersey getting by with a two-goal cushion is solid.

BACK THE DEVILS -1.5 (+170).

Over/Under

Peg some correction lean toward the Blackhawks getting at least a couple goals here. Chicago displayed plenty of clearing-its-own-zone issues in its opener.

The Devils aren’t the Avs, but enough quality looks make for enough New Jersey goals to edge the total to 7 or more.

TAKE THE OVER 6.5 (-107).

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