The New Jersey Devils (14-25-6) play the middle game of a three-game set at the Pittsburgh Penguins (29-14-3) Thursday with a 7 p.m. ET puck drop at PPG Paints Arena. Below, we analyze the Devils-Penguins odds and lines, with NHL picks and predictions.
The Devils were tripped up 7-6 in a crazy game Tuesday. New Jersey fell behind 4-0 after one period, and 6-0 after two. That’s when the magic started as the Devils scored six third-period goals to just one for the Pens. New Jersey never tied it up, but its last goal made it 7-6 with 41 seconds to go.
The good news for the Penguins is that they won behind a seven-goal night. But after the ugly third period, it likely felt like a loss. They do have three straight wins against the Devils since April 11, and they’re averaging six goals per game in that span.
Devils at Penguins: Odds, spread and lines
Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 4:55 a.m. ET.
- Money line: Devils +240 (bet $100 to win $240) | Penguins -300 (bet $300 to win $100)
- Against the spread/ATS: Devils +1.5 (-105) | Penguins -1.5 (-115)
- Over/Under: 6 (O: -115 | U: -105)
Devils at Penguins: Projected starting goalies
Mackenzie Blackwood (9-15-3, 3.10 GAA, .900 SV%, 1 SO) vs. Tristan Jarry (19-8-3, 2.85 GAA, .906 SV%)
Blackwood hasn’t won in eight consecutive starts, allowing four or more goals in six of those outings dating back to a 1-0 shutout at the Boston Bruins March 28. He wasn’t in there for Tuesday’s 7-6 game, as G Scott Wedgewood started and was replaced by G Aaron Dell.
Jarry hung on for the victory Tuesday, allowing six goals on 30 shots, and he has won four of the past five overall. It wasn’t pretty, but he now has wins in consecutive starts in the head-to-head series after a pair of losses in March to New Jersey.
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Devils at Penguins: Odds, lines, predictions and picks
Prediction
Penguins 4, Devils 3
Money line (ML)
There are two ways this can go. The Penguins (-300) can come out angry, embarrassed and thrash the Devils (+240), or they will lose outright. Either way, shy away from the money line and look to the spread instead.
PASS.
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Against the spread (ATS)
The DEVILS +1.5 (-105) are a decent play here, as they fought back for the cover Tuesday. Condolences to those who laid the goal and a half with the Pens and were celebrating when it was 6-0. Ouch.
Playing New Jersey comes with some risk. The Devils have dropped seven in a row, and only one of the losses (Tuesday) was a one-goal difference. So, go lightly.
Over/Under (O/U)
The OVER 6 (-115) is the best play on the board. Both teams hit the six-goal mark last time out, and total bettors were guaranteed of at least a push after just 20 minutes. That’s a rarity, and you should expect the goals and pace to be at a less feverish pace in this one. But seven total goals are easily attainable.
Want some action on this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.
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