The Prudential Center will be hosting an Eastern Conference clash as the New Jersey Devils welcome the visiting Buffalo Sabres. The puck drops at 7 p.m. ET on Friday, December 29, and you’ll be able to catch the game live on MSG Network.
Buffalo Sabres at New Jersey Devils Odds
New Jersey is 22-14 straight up (SU) and has earned moneyline bettors 12.0 units this season. That winning percentage, ranked third in the league in this young season, is a surprising improvement over the 28-54 record from the 2016-17 season campaign. Through 36 regular season matches, 19 of the team’s games have gone over the total, while 16 have gone under and just one has pushed. The team is 12-7 SU at home this year.
The Devils have converted on 20.9 percent of their power play opportunities this season, a figure that’s right around league average. On the other hand, their penalty kill is ranked fourth overall, and they’ve successfully killed off 84.4 percent of all penalties.
The Devils, as a collective unit, have been whistled for penalties 4.1 times per game overall this season, 4.2 per game over their last five games total, and 4.2 per game over their last five home outings. The team’s had to kill penalties for 12.8 minutes per game over their last five home outings.
Averaging 29.6 saves per game with a .923 save percentage, Cory Schneider (18-10-4) has been the primary goalkeeper for the Devils this year. If New Jersey decides to rest him, however, the team may roll with Keith Kinkaid (5-5-5 record, .893 save percentage, 3.49 goals against average).
Taylor Hall and Jesper Bratt will each lead the offensive attack for the Devils. Hall (36 points) has tallied 12 goals and 24 assists and has recorded multiple points 10 times this year. Bratt has 10 goals and 14 assists to his credit and has recorded a point in 15 games.
Buffalo is 9-28 straight up (SU) and has lost 19.2 units for bettors taking the moneyline thus far. A total of 20 of its games have gone under the total, while 14 have gone over and just three have pushed. The Sabres are 4-16 SU as the away team this season.
The Sabres have converted on just 11.8 percent of their power play opportunities this year, a figure that’s ranked 32nd in the NHL. On the other hand, its penalty kill unit is ranked 10th overall and it’s successfully killed off 82.5 percent of all opponent power plays.
Buffalo’s players have been whistled for penalties 3.6 times per game in total this season, 3.4 per game over their past five games total, and 3.4 per game over their last five games as the visiting team. The team has been forced to kill penalties just 8.7 minutes per game over their last 10 outings.
Robin Lehner (2.74 goals against average and .915 save percentage) has been the primary option in goal for Buffalo. Lehner is averaging 26.9 saves per game and owns an 8-20-5 record.
Evander Kane (15 goals, 19 assists) and Jack Eichel (13 goals, 20 assists) have been the top playmakers for Buffalo and will pace the attack for the visiting Sabres.
Buffalo Sabres vs. New Jersey Devils Free Picks
Predictions: SU Winner – Devils, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes
New Jersey (3-2 in shootouts) has more experience this season in games decided by shootout. Buffalo fell short in its one shootout this season.
The over has hit in three of New Jersey’s last five games.
Buffalo has managed 26.2 shot attempts per game over its last five road games while New Jersey is averaging 33.8 shots per game over its last five at home.
New Jersey has scored 4.2 goals per game and allowed just 2.0 over its five-game winning streak.
Eight of New Jersey’s last ten contests have been decided by two or more goals. The club is 6-2 overall in those games.
Buffalo skaters have accounted for the ninth-most hits in the league (23.2 per game).
