NHL Best Bets

Last night was an ugly one for me, but tonight is the perfect night for a bounceback since there is just one game for an NHL best bet.

The New Jersey Devils are still in the mix for a playoff spot, but if they lose tonight, we can finally say their season is over. They’re heading into Buffalo to take on a Sabres team that has been very upsetting lately, so it’s fair to call this a must-win for New Jersey. 

 

New Jersey at Buffalo (+102, 6.5)

The New Jersey Devils have been getting a ton of help from the other teams that are on the bubble for the Eastern Conference playoffs. The Philadelphia Flyers, Washington Capitals and Detroit Red Wings all lost in regulation last night. With a win this evening, the Devils can put themselves just three points out of a playoff spot. 

New Jersey has quietly won back-to-back games and four of their last five games overall. Over the past 10 days, the Devils have played five games. In that span, they  have been the second-highest-scoring team in the NHL. They’re averaging 4.20 goals per game, while their power play clicks at a 35.3% rate. 

Timo Meier and Jack Hughes each have five goals in the last five games, but Meier has been one of the most electric players in March. This month, Meier has tallied 13 goals in 14 games played and has 19 points. He looks unstoppable right now. 

Buffalo on the other hand has lost three of their last four games and is coming off an ugly 6-2 loss on home ice against the Ottawa Senators. 

The Sabres have not scored a power-play goal in five straight games and are only averaging 2.75 goals per game over their last four. They’re allowing 4.50 goals against in that span. 

Believe it or not, the Devils have actually gotten solid goaltending. Jake Allen has been phenomenal since being acquired at the trade deadline. He has skated to a 4-2-0 record while boasting a .925 save percentage and a 2.51 goals against average. 

I don’t want to overthink this one. I’m giving the Devils one last shot. 

NHL Best Bet: New Jersey Devils ML -122 (play to -135)

March Record: 27-19 (+4.92 units)

2023-24 record: 127–130 (-28.04 units)

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