The New Jersey Devils (17-28-5) travel to meet the Pittsburgh Penguins (31-13-8) Thursday at PPG Paints Arena. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET (ESPN+). Below, we look at the Devils vs. Penguins odds and lines, and make our expert NHL picks, predictions and bets.
The Devils have fallen back onto hard times with two straight losses. On the bright side, Jersey will get D Dougie Hamilton (jaw) back Thursday after being out since Jan. 2. They have been off since Feb. 15 so they’ll be well-rested for this one.
Pittsburgh is coming off of losses to the Toronto Maple Leafs and Carolina Hurricanes. The latter hurt in particular as they’re now four points back from the division-leading ‘Canes in the Metropolitan Division.
- Money line: Devils +250 (bet $100 to win $250) | Penguins -320 (bet $320 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Devils +1.5 (+100) | Penguins -1.5 (-125)
- Over/Under (O/U): 6.5 (O: -105 | U: -120)
Devils at Penguins projected goalies
Mackenzie Blackwood (9-9-3, 3.29 GAA, .894 SV%, 2 SO) vs. Tristan Jarry (25-10-6, 2.29 GAA, .922 SV%, 3 SO)
Blackwood is expected to make his return after being sidelined since Jan. 19 with a heel injury. He was 1-3-0 with a 3.31 GAA and an .893 SV% against Pittsburgh last season.
Jarry was great against the Devils Feb. 13 as he stopped 28 of 30 shots in a 4-2 victory. He has given up 4 goals in two straight games, albeit against better offenses than the Devils.