Two clubs squaring off for the second time this season, the Detroit Red Wings and the Boston Bruins collide at TD Garden for an Original Six matchup. The opening face-off is at 1 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 23, and it will be showcased live on Sportsnet.
Detroit Red Wings at Boston Bruins Odds
Losing -1.1 units for moneyline bettors, Boston is 18-15 straight up (SU) overall in the 2017-18 season. That win percentage, ranked third in the Atlantic Division so far in the early season, is right in line with what the team produced during last years regular season (44-38). 18 of its 33 contests have gone under the total, while 15 have gone over and none have pushed. The team is 11-8 SU at home this year.
The Bruins have converted on 20.0 percent of their power play chances this season, a figure that’s right around league average. On the other hand, their penalty kill is ranked third overall, and they’ve successfully killed off 83.8 percent of all penalties.
As a collective unit, the Bruins have been penalized 4.2 times per game overall this season, and 5.8 per game over their last five games home outings. The teams had to stave off opposition power plays for 18.8 minutes per contest over their last five home games.
Averaging 24.7 saves per game with a .916 save percentage, Tuukka Rask (10-12-3) has been the best goalkeeper for Boston this season. If Boston decides to rest him, however, it might roll with Anton Khudobin (8-5-5 record, .923 save percentage, 2.45 goals against average).
David Pastrnak and Brad Marchand will each lead the charge for the Bruins. Pastrnak (31 points) has put up 15 goals and 16 assists and has recorded two or more points in eight different games this year. Marchand has 14 goals and 15 assists to his credit and has recorded a point in 19 contests.
On the other bench, Detroit is 13-21 straight up (SU) and has lost 7.8 units for bettors taking the moneyline this year. Through 34 regular season outings, 18 of its games have gone over the total, while 16 have gone under and none have pushed. As the away team so far, the Red Wings are 7-9 SU.
The Red Wings have scored on 22.6 percent of their power play opportunities this year, a figure that places it in the top-10 among NHL teams. On the other hand, its penalty kill unit is ranked 18th overall and it’s successfully killed off 80.9 percent of all penalties.
Detroit’s players have been called for penalties 4.1 times per game this season, and 2.6 per game over their last five on the road. The team has had to stave off opponent power plays just 8.3 minutes per game over their last 10 outings.
Jimmy Howard (25.4 saves per game) has been the main choice in goal for Detroit. Howard owns a 10-18-6 record, while registering a .907 save percentage and 2.88 goals against average this year.
Dylan Larkin (five goals, 24 assists) has been one of the top offensive playmakers for the visiting Red Wings.
Detroit Red Wings vs. Boston Bruins Betting Predictions
Predictions: SU Winner – Bruins, O/U – Under
Betting Trends
- Detroit is 2-1 in games decided by a shootout this season while Boston is 2-1 in shootouts.
- Detroit has managed 31.2 shot attempts per game over its last five road games while Boston has been attempting 36.6 shots per game over its last five at home.
- Boston has scored 3.0 goals per game overall this season, but has upped that figure to 4.0 per match up over its three-game winning streak.
- Seven of Boston’s last ten contests have been decided by two or more goals. The team is 5-2 overall in those games.
- The Bruins this season have handed the fourth-most hits per game (23.9).
