Sunday is traditionally reserved for NFL betting online, but there are a handful of NHL matchups on the schedule as well. The Pittsburgh Penguins travel to New Jersey to take on the Devils, and these teams are known for having a solid rivalry.
Pittsburgh has won six straight games and comes in with 37 points. New Jersey has lost five straight, and has managed to pick up 25 points.
The NHL lines for this game have the Pittsburgh Penguins as heavy road favorites at -180 on the moneyline. The over/under for total goals scored is set at 6.0.
Game: Pittsburgh Penguins (16-8-5) at New Jersey Devils (10-14-5)
Location: Prudential Center, Newark, New Jersey
Day/Time: Sunday, 7 p.m. ET
Television: ESPN+
Pittsburgh Penguins at New Jersey Devils
Penguins’ Penalty Kill Setting the Tone
The Pittsburgh Penguins are killing off 93% of their penalties, and that allows them to take more chances. Pittsburgh doesn’t have to be worried about taking a penalty, and that has helped the Penguins average 3.00 goals per game.
Defenseman Kris Letang continues to set the tone on offense as he leads the team with 19 assists. Jake Guentzel does the majority of the scoring for the Penguins as he leads the team with 15 goals and 27 total points.
Goaltender Tristan Jarry has gone 14-5-4 in net and he has done most of the work during this recent winning streak.
Devils Must Defend to Defeat Pittsburgh
New Jersey comes in allowing nearly 3.4 goals per game, and they are facing an offense that can put up goals in a hurry. The Devils have tried four different goaltenders this season, but they just haven’t found anyone that can deliver in the blue paint.
Devils coach Lindy Ruff questioned the play of his leaders after the most recent loss, and that could lead to a better effort. Ruff said, “Our top guys have to be harder to play against, be harder on the puck, they have to win more battles.”
Jesper Bratt has been a solid offensive performer for the Devils this season, leading the way with 16 assists and 24 total points. The Devils are scoring just 2.7 goals per game, but they have had some big offensive games at times this season.
Devils Defeat Penguins in Thriller
A quick look at the numbers would tell you that the Penguins are clearly the better team in this matchup. Looking at stats doesn’t always tell the whole story when it comes to the NHL, as these games can be decided by some luck as well.
New Jersey is not going to continue losing games, and they are always much tougher to beat on their home ice. Pittsburgh comes into this game with a ton of momentum, but the Penguins aren’t going to be able to score a ton of goals in this one.
This has upset written all over it, and that is exactly what will take place on Sunday night. Head to BetUS Sportsbook and take the New Jersey Devils at +160 as the home team comes through with a surprising win.
