The New Jersey Devils (17-28-5) and Chicago Blackhawks (18-26-8) square off in a Friday night bout at 8 p.m. ET at the United Center. Below, we look at the Devils vs. Blackhawks odds and lines and make our expert NHL picks, predictions and bets.
The Devils are coming off a 6-1 Wednesday win at Pittsburgh but are just 3-9 since Jan. 23. On the road, the Devils have won three in a row but are just 3-6 over their last nine efforts. Across their last seven back-to-back-day situations, New Jersey has gone 1-5-1 in game No. 2.
The Blackhawks have not played since Sunday and are playing the fourth game in a six-game stretch at the United Center. Chicago has gone 0-2-1 over the front half of that home stand. It has yielded 5 goals-or-more in six of its last 10 outings.
Devils at Blackhawks odds, spread and lines
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 8:30 a.m. ET.
- Money line: Devils +122 (bet $100 to win $122) | Blackhawks -150 (bet $150 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Devils +1.5 (-210) | Blackhawks -1.5 (+160)
- Over/Under (O/U): 6.5 (O: -112 | U: -108)
Devils at Blackhawks projected goalies
Jon Gillies (3-8-1, 3.50 GAA, .893 SV%) vs. Marc-Andre Fleury (16-18-4, 2.80 GAA, .912 SV%)
Gillies returns to the net after a nine-day layoff. He was last seen allowing 6 goals to the Lightning Feb. 15.
Fleury has had sharp and flat outings since late January, mostly due to the defense in front of him. Chicago had been making strides in yielding fewer shots on goal and high-danger looks this season. They’ve coughed up a lots of both recently, and it has had the 37-year-old on the ropes in a few recent starts.
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Devils at Blackhawks odds, lines, picks and predictions
Prediction
Devils 3, Blackhawks 2
Money line
Recent puck-possession numbers would peg the Devils being a near-50% proposition. Even with Chicago having the advantage between the pipes, there is some leverage to be gained with NEW JERSEY (+122).
Against the spread
Lots of juice here: PASS.
Over/Under
Neither side is all that productive in 5-on-5 play. And the schedule presents some rest/rust issues that could favor the defense. BACK THE UNDER 6.5 (-108) on a small lean.
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