The Pittsburgh Penguins (39-23-6) take on the New Jersey Devils (28-28-12) at Prudential Center in Newark Tuesday at 7 p.m. ET. We analyze the Penguins-Devils sports betting odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips and picks around this matchup.
Penguins at Devils: Projected starting goalies
Matt Murray vs. MacKenzie Blackwood
Murray has made strides to reclaim his No. 1 job from All-Star Tristan Jarry, who has slumped since the break. Murray is 19-11-5 with a 2.89 goals against average and .898 save percentage with one shutout. He lost his only start in New Jersey Nov. 15, but he allowed just two goals on 21 shots in a 2-1 setback.
Blackwood puts his 22-13-8 record, 2.74 GAA and .915 SV% on the line against the Pens. He has split a pair of starts against Pittsburgh this season, posting a 2.93 GAA and .933 SV%. He won the battle against Murray Nov. 15, allowing just one goal on 39 shots.
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Penguins at Devils: Odds, picks and betting tips
Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 9:30 a.m. ET.
Prediction
Devils 3, Penguins 2
Moneyline (ML)
The DEVILS (+155) are moderate underdogs at home, and that makes them a good value. They aren’t going to the playoffs this season, but rather than throw in the towel, they have been a thorn in everyone’s side lately. They have won three of their past four games, and they have lost in regulation just once in their past nine (6-1-2).
The Penguins (-189) are overwhelming favorites, but they shouldn’t be. In their past six road games, Pittsburgh has won just once, including losses to non-playoff teams in the Anaheim Ducks, Los Angeles Kings. and San Jose Sharks on a recent road trip.
New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Devils to grab the home win returns a profit of $15.50, while a $10 wager on the Penguins nets a profit of just $5.30.
Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)
The Devils (+1.5, -176) are worth a look if you want a little insurance, and don’t trust New Jersey to keep up its strong play. The Penguins (-1.5, +145) are a tempting play, but they have struggled offensively on the road, posting just 10 total goals over their past six contests away from home.
Over/Under (O/U)
That brings us to why it’s a good idea to play the UNDER 5.5 (+110). Pittsburgh is averaging just 1.67 goals per game on the road in its past six. Toss in the fact Blackwood is 8-1-2 with a 2.13 GAA and .941 SV% with two shutouts in 11 starts since the All-Star break, and the recipe is there for an Under result.
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