In their final head-to-head meeting of the regular season, the Chicago Blackhawks and the New Jersey Devils face off at the Prudential Center in an East-versus-West showdown. The opening face-off is at 7 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 23, and you can watch it live on WGN Channel 9.
Chicago Blackhawks vs. New Jersey Devils Odds
The money line for either team is currently set at an identical -110, and the oddsmakers have set the Over/Under (O/U) at 6 goals (-105 for the over, -115 for the under).
The Devils are 20-14 straight up (SU) and have earned moneyline bettors 10.0 units this year. That winning percentage, the second-best in the Metropolitan Division in this young season, is a surprising improvement over the 28-54 record from last year’s regular season campaign. Through 34 regular season outings, 19 of its games have gone over the total, while 14 have gone under and just one has pushed. This year, the team’s 10-7 SU at home.
New Jersey’s converted on 20.6 percent of its power play chances this year, a figure that’s right around league average. On the other hand, its penalty kill is ranked sixth overall, and it’s successfully killed off 83.5 percent of all penalties.
As a collective unit, New Jersey has been penalized 4.0 times per game overall this season, and 3.2 per game over its last five home outings. The team has been forced to stave off opponent power plays for just 8.0 minutes per game over its last 10 outings, in total.
Boasting a .919 save percentage and 29.2 saves per game, Cory Schneider (16-10-4) has been the top goalkeeper for the Devils this season. If the Devils choose to give him a rest, however, head coach John Hynes may go with Keith Kinkaid (5-5-5 record, .893 save percentage, 3.49 goals against average).
Taylor Hall and Jesper Bratt will both lead the offensive attack for the Devils. Hall (32 points) has tallied 11 goals and 21 assists and has recorded multiple points in nine different games this year. Bratt has 10 goals and 13 assists to his credit and has notched a point in 14 games.
On the other bench, Chicago is 17-17 straight up (SU) and has lost 2.9 units for bettors taking the moneyline this year. A total of 19 of its outings have gone under the total, while 13 have gone over and just two have pushed. Chicago’s 7-10 SU as a road team this season.
Chicago has converted on just 14.2 percent of its power play opportunities this season, a figure that’s ranked 29th in the NHL. On the other hand, its penalty kill unit is ranked 13th overall and it’s successfully killed off 82.3 percent of all opponent power plays.
Chicago’s skaters have been whistled for penalties 3.8 times per game this season, and 3.0 per game over their last ten match ups. The team has been forced to stave off opponent power plays just 6.2 minutes per game over their last 10 outings.
Corey Crawford (2.18 goals against average and .932 save percentage) has been the primary option in goal for Chicago. Crawford is averaging 28.8 saves per game and owns a 16-11-2 record.
Patrick Kane (14 goals, 20 assists) will pace the offensive attack for the visiting Blackhawks.
Chicago Blackhawks at New Jersey Devils Betting Predictions
Predictions: SU Winner – Devils, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes
New Jersey (3-2 in shootouts this season) has more experience in games decided by shootout. Chicago fell short in its one shootout this season.
The over has hit in four of New Jersey’s last five outings.
The Blackhawks are 5-3 in games where they attempt at least 10 more shots than their opponent. They’ve averaged the league’s fifth-most shots on goal (34.6) while New Jersey has attempted just the 24th-most (30.4).
New Jersey has scored 3.2 goals per game overall this season, but is scoring 4.7 per match up over its three-game winning streak.
