The Pittsburgh Penguins (11-7-4) entertain the division rival New Jersey Devils (7-9-4) at PPG Paints Arena Friday at 7 p.m. ET. We analyze the Devils-Penguins odds and lines while providing NHL betting tips around this matchup.
Devils at Penguins: Projected starting goalies
MacKenzie Blackwood vs. Tristan Jarry
Blackwood is expected to start again for the Devils. He is 7-5-3 with a 2.95 goals against average and .899 save percentage. Blackwood took the home loss Tuesday against Boston after allowing five goals on just 28 shots.
Jarry is projected to get the start Friday in New Jersey. He has a 2-3 record for Pittsburgh with a 1.98 GAA and .938 SV%. Jarry has looked great in his backup role and came up clutch against Toronto last week while turning away 32 of 33 shots in a win.
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Devils at Penguins: 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 7:55 a.m. ET.
Prediction
Penguins 3, Devils 2
Moneyline (ML)
The PENGUINS (-189) are dealing with far more injuries than the Devils. They are without C Sidney Crosby, D Kris Letang, plus F Nick Bjugstad — just to name a few of the injured. Despite this, they nearly beat the New York Islanders Thursday night. It is anyone’s guess as to how New Jersey comes out after their poor performance at home against the Boston Bruins.
It will be a back and forth contest but Pittsburgh ultimately wins this one late.
A $10 bet with Pittsburgh results in a $5.29 profit with an outright win for the Penguins.
Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)
The Devils are 7-13 against the spread which is dead last in the entire NHL. Their style of play typically is the culprit. Also, the Penguins are so banged up that expecting them to win by two or more goals is a lot to ask for. AVOID.
Over/Under (O/U)
The UNDER 5.5 (+125) is a bit of a risky play but considering the two teams combined for just three goals last week in their first meeting, it’s the right move. Usually, New Jersey hits the Over in Pittsburgh but with both sides a bit down offensively, it is worth a shot.
Placing a $10 bet here will give a bettor a decent $12.50 profit with a total of five or fewer goals scored.
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