The New Jersey Devils, led by Taylor Hall and Kyle Palmieri, are prepared to take the ice against Gustav Nyquist, Pierre-Luc Dubois, and the Columbus Blue Jackets at Nationwide Arena in a divisional showdown. MSG Network will showcase the matchup, and the action gets underway at 7 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 21.
New Jersey Devils vs. Columbus Blue Jackets Odds
Losing 3.5 units for moneyline bettors, Columbus is 15-20 straight up (SU) overall in the 2019-20 season. That early-season winning percentage is a regression from the 47-35 record that the team managed during last year’s regular season campaign. Out of the team’s 35 regular season contests, 20 of them have gone under the total, while 14 have gone over and just one has pushed. Thus far, the team is 10-9 SU at home.
The Blue Jackets have converted on 17.9 percent of their power play opportunities this year, a figure that’s right around league average. On the other hand, their penalty kill is rated 17th overall, and they’ve successfully killed off 80.0 percent of all penalties.
Averaging 25.2 saves per game with a .909 save percentage, Joonas Korpisalo (15 wins, 13 losses, and three OT losses) has been the most dependable option in goal for Columbus this year. If Columbus chooses to give him a rest, however, the team may turn to the winless Elvis Merzlikins (0-9-9 record, .889 save percentage, 3.41 goals against average).
New Jersey has lost 11.3 units for bettors taking the moneyline this year and is currently 11-23 straight up (SU). Through 34 regular season matches, 16 of its games have gone over the total, while another 16 have gone under the total and just one has pushed. The Devils are 6-10 SU as the away team this season.
The Devils have converted on just 14.5 percent of their power play chances this season, a mark that’s ranked 28th in the NHL. On the other hand, its penalty kill unit is ranked 20th overall and it’s successfully defended 78.8 percent of all penalties.
MacKenzie Blackwood (26.0 saves per game) has been the main choice in the net for New Jersey. Blackwood has 10 wins, 16 losses, and four OT losses to his credit, while registering a .906 save percentage and 2.88 goals against average this year.
New Jersey Devils at Columbus Blue Jackets Betting Picks
NHL Pick: SU Winner – Blue Jackets, O/U – Under
Betting Trends
- The Devils (1-4 in shootouts) has more experience this season in games decided by shootout. The Blue Jackets emerged victorious in its only shootout this season.
- The total has gone under in four of New Jersey’s last five outings.
- Seven of New Jersey’s last ten games have been decided by two goals or more. The team is 1-6 in those games.
- New Jersey skaters recorded 23.5 hits per game last season, while the Blue Jackets accounted for 23.0 hits per matchup.
