New Jersey Devils vs. Ottawa Senators Prediction, NHL Odds
In the Eastern Conference, the second wild card team and the next seven teams are separated by just four points. Both the Devils and Senators are caught in that bunch of teams that includes almost the entire conference. Inter-conference games are becoming more important, and both teams could really use these two points.
This game is important for both teams to keep pace in the conference, but it’s also important because they both really need to snap out of a slump. This is a matchup between two desperate teams, making for a game worth watching.
Ottawa is a -135 favourite to win on the NHL odds, with the total set at 5.5.
Devils vs. Senators NHL Betting Odds
It has been a tough week for the Devils and Senators. New Jersey has lost five straight and eight out of their last 11. They’ve also dropped four of their previous five on the road and are 7-8 away from home this season. Head-to-head, the Devils have won six out of the last nine over the Senators. They wouldn’t mind reinforcing that trend.
The Senators enter this game with one win in their last five and two wins in their previous six home contests. They have gone from the division’s top three to outside of the playoff picture. Again, that is not a big deal right now. But the last thing Ottawa wants is to lose ground.
New Jersey Devils
The Devils have been one of the more injured teams this season. Yet, they are still managing to tread water. As injured as the Devils are, they still have plenty of star power suited up that can help the team break out of this slump.
New Jersey’s top-three point producers are forwards Jesper Bratt, Nico Hischier, and Timo Meier with 26, 26, and 23 points, respectively. Despite the losing streak, Meier and Bratt have been producing and will be key in getting back in the win column. The Devils are also getting solid contributions from defencemen Simon Nemec and Luke Hughes, who each have 15 points. This is still a good, well-coached team that does not need to panic yet.
Ottawa Senators
The Senators have not been without their own injury struggles. After losing their best player and captain, Brady Tkachuk, for 20 games, Ottawa then lost defenceman Thomas Chabot and, more recently, forward Shane Pinto. It’s great having Tkachuk back, but Chabot plays nearly 22 minutes per game, and Pinto is a top-line and power-play forward who leads the team with 12 goals.
Adversity has been a theme in the Senators’ season. Similar to the Devils, despite the adversity, they manage to be right in the thick of things in the Eastern Conference. Ottawa was a playoff team last year and is already battle-tested this year. This is a good team and a good spot to collect two points against another contender.
NHL Prediction: Who Will Win Devils vs. Senators?
The Devils are just not a reliable play until they get healthier and prove they are back to a semblance of normal. During their five-game losing streak, New Jersey dropped each game by multiple goals, having been outscored 20-7.
It has not been great for the Senators lately, but even they have much more appeal in this one. Ottawa is healthier, playing at home, and is nearly as desperate as New Jersey. The Senators will look to capitalize on a spiralling Devils team with a 3-2 win.
NJ
OTT