Two clubs that split their head-to-head series (one game apiece) a year ago, the Anaheim Ducks and the New Jersey Devils take the ice at the Prudential Center in an East-West showdown. The puck drops at 7 p.m. ET on Monday, December 18, and you can see it live on MSG Network.
Anaheim Ducks vs. New Jersey Devils Odds
New Jersey (-125) is currently the favorite over Anaheim (+105).
Earning 8.0 units for moneyline bettors, New Jersey is 18-14 straight up (SU) overall in the 2017-18 season. That win percentage, the third-best in the Metropolitan Division so far in the early season, is a complete turnaround from what the team did during the 2016-17 season (28-54). Through 32 regular season outings, 17 of its games have gone over the total, while 14 have gone under and just one has pushed. The team’s 8-7 SU at home this season.
The Devils have converted on 19.8 percent of their power play chances this year, a mark that’s right around league average. On the other hand, their penalty kill is ranked 10th overall, and they’ve successfully killed off 82.8 percent of all penalties.
As a team, the Devils have been called for penalties 4.1 times per game overall this season, and 3.4 per game over their last five games. The team has had to kill penalties for just 8.4 minutes per game over their last 10 matchups, in total.
Boasting a .921 save percentage and 29.8 saves per game, Cory Schneider (14 wins, 10 losses, and four OT losses) has been the top option in goal for New Jersey this season. If New Jersey decides to rest him, however, the team may go with Keith Kinkaid (5-5-5 record, .893 save percentage, 3.49 goals against average).
Taylor Hall and Will Butcher will both spearhead the attack for the Devils. Hall (31 points) has put up 11 goals and 20 assists and has recorded multiple points in eight different games this year. Butcher has two goals and 19 assists to his credit and has notched at least one point in 15 contests.
Anaheim is 14-19 straight up (SU) and has lost 3.5 units for bettors taking the moneyline this year. Through 33 regular season outings, 21 of its games have gone under the total, while 11 have gone over and just one has pushed. As the road team, the Ducks are 6-9 SU so far.
The Ducks have converted on 18.1 percent of their power play opportunities this year, a mark that’s right around league average. On the other hand, its penalty kill unit is ranked fourth overall and it’s successfully defended 83.7 percent of all opponent power plays.
Anaheim’s skaters have been penalized 4.8 times per game in total this season, and 3.0 per game over their past five outings. The team’s been forced to defend opponent power plays just 7.2 minutes per game over their last five outings.
John Gibson (.921 save percentage and 2.84 goals against average) has been the main option in goal for Anaheim. Gibson is averaging 31.0 saves per game and owns a 10-16-5 record.
For the visiting Ducks, the offense will be coordinated by Corey Perry (six goals, 16 assists) and Adam Henrique (seven goals, 13 assists).
Anaheim Ducks vs. New Jersey Devils Free Picks
Predictions: SU Winner – Devils, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Trends
Two of Anaheim’s last ten games have ended in a shootout. The team is 0-2 in those games and 2-4 overall in shootouts this season.
The over has hit in four of New Jersey’s last five games.
This game features two of the tougher teams in the league. Anaheim skaters have accounted for the league’s fifth-most hits per game (23.7) while the Devils have recorded the 12th-most (22.3).
