in NHL Free Picks

Tuesday, February 27th --- Mellon Arena, Pittsburgh --- 7:30pm EST

The fifth-ranked Devils (39-18-6) on Tuesday night, with the home team slightly favored. This match will pit the defensively minded Devils against the offensively potent Penguins. This will be a tough test for a New Jersey team that has been facing low-end teams for the past week.

Going four for five in games against Washington and both New York teams, the Devils have continued their strong defensive play. They are not blowing teams out of the water, but they are certainly shutting down offenses. In their past five games, they have allowed only nine goals, still leading the league in lowest goals against average.

The Penguins are three for their last five, including a 5-1 loss to Tampa in their last matchup. They have the third most productive offense with 3.5 goals per game. However, a lot of those goals come on the power play where they get 5.8 chances per game and they lead the league in power play goals scored. The Devils, however, are a disciplined squad, allowing the fewest power play opportunities while maintaining the seventh-best road penalty killing.

The Penguins are the hottest team in the league right now, but they are starting to cool off. The Devils are a consistent and disciplined team and are starting to find the offensive punch they need. Playing on the road will be a tough test for them, but shutting down the Penguins would send a loud message to the Eastern Conference.

Look for the Devils to shut down the Penguins’ top two lines, frustrating their young stars in the process. Goalie Marc-Andre Fleury has been great for the Penguins, but is still showing signs of weakness that Martin Brodeur does not show in net for the Devils. It will be a close game, but look for the Devils to steal a road win as the Penguins cool off heading in to March.

New Jersey – 5

Pittsburgh – 3

Result: Devils 1 Penguins 0

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