The New Jersey Devils (21-25-10) visit the Carolina Hurricanes (32-21-3) Friday at PNC Arena for a 7 p.m. ET puck drop. We analyze the Devils-Hurricanes odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips and picks around this matchup.
The Devils rallied with a four-goal third period to beat the visiting Detroit Red Wings 4-1 Thursday. New Jersey has won three of its last four games and is 4-1-3 since returning from the All-Star break. The Hurricanes last played Tuesday, falling to the Dallas Stars 4-1, snapping a two-game win streak and wrapping up a 2-2 road trip.
New Jersey won the first head-to-head meeting of the season, 5-3 at Carolina Nov. 2.
Devils at Hurricanes: Projected starting goalies
Louis Domingue vs. Petr Mrazek
Domingue is 3-6-2 with a 3.74 goals against average (GAA) and .882 save percentage. Domingue lost his last five starts, allowing 19 goals on 134 shots. He is 2-2-2 at home this season with a 2.82 GAA and .903 SV%.
Mrazek is 18-15-2 with a 2.74 GAA and a .901 SV% with three shutouts. He enters on a three-game skid and most recently allowed three goals on 36 shots in Tuesday’s loss at Dallas. He is 0-2 in February – both road games – but touts a 14-7 home record with a 2.43 GAA and .908 SV%. The ‘Canes could go with James Reimer, who won his last four starts and is 14-6-1 overall with a 2.61 GAA and a .917 SV%.
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Devils at Hurricanes: Key injuries
Devils
- C Nico Hischier (knee) questionable
- D Sami Vatanen (leg) out, on IR
Hurricanes
- LW Jordan Martinook (upper body) doubtful
- D Dougie Hamilton (leg) out, on IR
Devils at Hurricanes: 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 9:55 a.m. ET.
Prediction
Hurricanes 6, Devils 1
Moneyline (ML)
AVOID. Carolina (-238) is a big favorite, but I’m not into laying that kind of chalk. Every $2.38 wagered on the Hurricanes ML profits only $1 if they win. I’ll PASS and focus on the puck line and Over/Under.
FYI: Carolina is 18-9-1 at home, while New Jersey (+190) is 12-15 on the road.
Puck Line/Against the Spread (PL/ATS)
Because New Jersey (+1.5, -143) played Thursday, CAROLINA (-1.5, +120) is worth a small wager. It’s only a slight lean because the Hurricanes are 24-32 vs. the PL overall and 12-16 vs. the PL at home. New Jersey is 27-29 vs. the PL overall and 12-15 vs. the PL on the road.
Over/Under (O/U)
The OVER 5.5 (-139) is the STRONGEST PLAY. I wouldn’t be surprised if the number moves to 6 by early afternoon. Eight of Domingue’s 12 starts have seen at least 6 total goals scored.
Every $1.39 bet on the Over profits $1 if there are 6 or more goals scored.
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Johnny’s 2019-20 NHL strongest plays: 8-4.
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