The New Jersey Devils (19-29-5) travel to meet the Columbus Blue Jackets (27-25-1) Tuesday at Nationwide Arena. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET (ESPN+). Below, we look at the Devils vs. Blue Jackets odds and lines, and make our expert NHL picks, predictions and bets.
The Devils opened the floodgates on the Vancouver Canucks Monday with a 7-2 win. It was their 12th consecutive win against them. LW Jesper Bratt has led the offensive surge with 5 goals in his last three games.
Columbus has dropped two straight after snapping a four-game win streak. They had a lead on the Pittsburgh Penguins but gave up two third-period goals to drop the tilt 3-2 Sunday. RW Patrik Laine was been one of the hottest players in hockey in February with 9 goals and 6 assists in 10 games.
- Money line: Devils +115 (bet $100 to win $115) | Blue Jackets -140 (bet $140 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Devils +1.5 (-220) | Blue Jackets -1.5 (+165)
- Over/Under (O/U): 6.5 (O: -120 | U: -105)
Devils at Blue Jackets projected goalies
Jon Gillies (3-9-1, 3.70 GAA, .887 SV%) vs. Elvis Merzlikins (18-14-1, 3.41 GAA, .904 SV%, 2 SO)
Gillies was shelled in his last two games allowing 6 goals in each game. He allowed 6 goals in three different games across six February starts as he went 2-4-0 with a 4.76 GAA. The sands in the hourglass may be waning on his roster spot.
Merzlikins has been taken to the woodshed the last three games allowing 13 goals. He went 4-2-0 with a 3.50 GAA and an .897 SV% across six February starts. He has clearly benefitted from Laine’s hot streak because his numbers aren’t great outside of the record.