The New Jersey Devils (19-29-5) travel to meet the Columbus Blue Jackets (27-25-1) Tuesday at Nationwide Arena. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET (ESPN+). Below, we look at the Devils vs. Blue Jackets odds and lines, and make our expert NHL picks, predictions and bets.
The Devils opened the floodgates on the Vancouver Canucks Monday with a 7-2 win. It was their 12th consecutive win against them. LW Jesper Bratt has led the offensive surge with 5 goals in his last three games.
Columbus has dropped two straight after snapping a four-game win streak. They had a lead on the Pittsburgh Penguins but gave up two third-period goals to drop the tilt 3-2 Sunday. RW Patrik Laine was been one of the hottest players in hockey in February with 9 goals and 6 assists in 10 games.
Devils at Blue Jackets 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 8:48 a.m. ET.
- Money line: Devils +115 (bet $100 to win $115) | Blue Jackets -140 (bet $140 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Devils +1.5 (-220) | Blue Jackets -1.5 (+165)
- Over/Under (O/U): 6.5 (O: -120 | U: -105)
Devils at Blue Jackets projected goalies
Jon Gillies (3-9-1, 3.70 GAA, .887 SV%) vs. Elvis Merzlikins (18-14-1, 3.41 GAA, .904 SV%, 2 SO)
Gillies was shelled in his last two games allowing 6 goals in each game. He allowed 6 goals in three different games across six February starts as he went 2-4-0 with a 4.76 GAA. The sands in the hourglass may be waning on his roster spot.
Merzlikins has been taken to the woodshed the last three games allowing 13 goals. He went 4-2-0 with a 3.50 GAA and an .897 SV% across six February starts. He has clearly benefitted from Laine’s hot streak because his numbers aren’t great outside of the record.
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Devils at Blue Jackets odds, lines, picks and predictions
Prediction
Devils 5, Blue Jackets 3
Money line
The DEVILS (+115) are ripe for the upset here.
New Jersey has scored 37 goals in their last seven games and Columbus is 14-11-1 at home this season, which doesn’t give them much of a home-ice advantage. Jersey is playing on consecutive days, but they’re young and on fire.
Against the spread
The Devils +1.5 (-220) doesn’t offer enough of a return.
If you’re willing to risk a half-unit here, the ALTERNATE SPREAD DEVILS -1.5 (+250) has a juicy payout. With the way New Jersey is scoring, this has a real shot for a nice reward. Otherwise, stick with the money line.
Over/Under
The OVER 6.5 (-120) could hit just on New Jersey’s side alone as they have posted 7 goals three times during the last seven games. The Over is 5-1 in the Devils’ last six games and 11-3 in the Devils’ last 14 games on no rest. With the way both goalies have struggled, this is the best bet on the board.
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