Devils vs. Bruins Prediction and Odds (New Jersey's Defense Continues to Struggle)

Eastern Conference rivals clash on Thursday night when the New Jersey Devils and Boston Bruins face off at the TD Garden.

The Devils, who are currently seventh in the Metropolitan Division, are basically all but out of the playoff race. They are tied with the Flyers with 53 points at the bottom of the division. The Flyers have already been eliminated from the postseason. 

The Bruins, on the other hand, are currently in sole possession of the top Wild Card spot in the East. With 87 points, they lead the Washington Capitals by three and need to keep winning games to hold onto their spot in the playoffs. 

Here are the odds for tonight’s matchup, courtesy of WynnBET Sportsbook.

Devils vs. Bruins Odds and Total

Moneyline:

• Devils +210
• Bruins -250

Puck line:

• Devils +1.5 (-120)
• Bruins -1.5 (+100)

Total:

• 6.5 (Over -105/Under -115)

Devils vs. Bruins Prediction and Pick

To say that the Devils are struggling on defense is an understatement. New Jersey has allowed six or more goals in four of their last seven games. They also have allowed the Bruins to score 10 total goals on them in the two games they played so far. Spoiler alert, the Bruins won both of those games.

A lot of this has to do with some very poor play from Nico Daws between the pipes. Daws has allowed at least three goals in five of his last six and is sporting a 0.870 save percentage during that stretch. The defense isn’t helping either and the Devils rank as one of the worst in five-on-five expected goals per 60 minutes. 

Meanwhile, the Bruins continue to play in high-scoring games too. But, they are the ones doing most of the damage. Boston is 8-2 in its last 10 games and has scored three or more goals in the last five. 

Considering how good the Boston offense has been and how bad the NJ defense is, this feels like it might get out of hand. The first two games between these two teams saw at least six goals scored and I see no reason that doesn’t continue tonight. 

Pick: OVER 6.5 (-105)

Follow all of Matt De Saro’s betting picks HERE