Welcome back to NHL Predictions with Last Word on Hockey. Here, we provide in-depth insight into the best matchups around the NHL. Today, we dive into the New Jersey Devils and Chicago Blackhawks. Be sure to check out all our writers on NHL Predictions throughout the entire season.
NHL Predictions
New Jersey Devils vs Chicago Blackhawks
Head-to-Head: Devils lead 1-0-0
Time: 7:30 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
TV: TNT, TruTV, CHSN; Max
The Devils and Blackhawks are set to face off for the second time this season. These teams met in New Jersey back on December 14, with the Devils securing a 4-1 victory on a Saturday afternoon. Jason Dickinson, whose season ended due to a wrist injury, scored for Chicago to strike them to a 1-0 lead. New Jersey answered with four goals in the third period from Dawson Mercer, Jack Hughes, Nico Hischier, and Timo Meier to account for the final tally.
Devils Chance to Right the Ship
The Devils have struggled to win games consistently as the regular season winds to an end. They enter on a three game skid after dropping every game on their previous home stand. They were able to secure a point in their loss to Vancouver on Monday to stay seven points ahead in the standings over the New York Rangers. The Devils are 4-5-1 in the last 10, and will need to improve on that over the final 10 games if they want to hold on to a playoff birth.
Jesper Bratt continues to lead the way with 82 points and has found a new level since being placed on a line with Stefan Noesen and Cody Glass. Bratt has 12 points in his last seven games. That includes a stretch of three straight games in which he recorded three points. Timo Meier continues to shine in March. He has seven goals this month.
Jake Allen and Jacob Markstrom have been rotating starts since Markstrom returned from injury earlier in March. If this trend continues, Allen will get the start on Wednesday. He has four shutouts with a 2.55 GAA and .912 SV% on the season.
Blackhawks Playing Out the String
Chicago broke a seven-game losing streak on Sunday after defeating the Philadelphia Flyers, 7-4, at home. They struggled to score over that stretch, finding the back of the net only 10 times over those seven contests. At 21-41-9, they sit firmly with the second-best odds of winning the draft lottery. They became the second team mathematically eliminated from playoff contention last week.
Despite the struggles, Connor Bedard continues to be one of the best young players in the league. He is following up a great rookie season with another solid effort, potting 20 goals and leading the team with 56 points. With the right pieces brought in around him, the Blackhawks could have one of the best scorers in the league for years to come.
Teuvo Teravainen and Ryan Donato give the Blackhawks three players with over 50 points on the season, despite sitting at 26th in the league in scoring.
Prediction
The New Jersey Devils still have a lot to play for as the season winds down. They are in a fight to secure a playoff berth for only the third time since their run to the Stanley Cup final in 2012. They should be desperate to pick up two points against a team low in the standings.
The Blackhawks on the other hand are just playing out the string. They have the talent to steal a game on any given night, but they have been officially eliminated from contention.
Prediction: 5-2 New Jersey.
Prop Bets of the Night
Given that we expect the Devils to win by three goals, consider taking the Devils to cover (-1.5) at +120. Timo Meier is red-hot this month. Choose him as an any time goal scorer against Chicago.
Main photo by: David Banks-Imagn Images
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The post NHL Predictions: March 26 New Jersey Devils Vs Chicago Blackhawks appeared first on Last Word On Hockey.