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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