Devils vs Penguins NHL Saturday Matchup: Predictions, Odds & Analysis
The New Jersey Devils (36-25-6) face off against the Pittsburgh Penguins (27-31-10) on Saturday at 3pm ET at PPG Paints Arena. The Devils enter as -150 road favorites, looking to extend their current three-game winning streak.
Devils players huddle before game
The Devils have dominated recent matchups, winning nine of the last 10 meetings against Pittsburgh. Their success stems from elite defensive play, ranking second in the NHL with a 2.52 GAA and third with an 82.9% penalty kill rate.
Key Stats:
- Devils: 2.99 goals per game (14th in NHL)
- Penguins: 3.56 GAA (29th in NHL)
- Head-to-head: Devils won both meetings this season (3-2 SO, 3-0)
Player to Watch: Jesper Bratt enters with momentum, recording a goal and two assists in consecutive games. He's tallied points in 10 of his last 12 games against Pittsburgh.
Betting Analysis:
- Moneyline: Devils -150 / Penguins +125
- Puck Line: Penguins +1.5 (-210) / Devils -1.5 (+175)
- Total: 5.5 goals (Over -120, Under -210)
- Trend: Under has hit in 4 of last 5 meetings
Prediction: The Devils' superior defensive play and recent success against Pittsburgh make them the smart pick. While the Penguins have won three straight, New Jersey's consistent performance against them suggests they'll continue their dominance.
Best Bets:
- Devils Moneyline (-150)
- Jesper Bratt Over 0.5 assists (-135)