Devils vs Blue Jackets odds

Join Daily Faceoff’s Andy MacNeil as he covers Thursday’s game between the New Jersey Devils and Columbus Blue Jackets.

New Jersey Devils money line: -225
Columbus Blue Jackets Moneyline: +180
Puck line: Devils -1.5 (+115), Blue Jackets +1.5 (-135)
Game total: 6.5 (over +100, under -120)

Match odds via Sports Interaction.

Handicapping the Devils (21-13 SU, 17-17 ATS, 12-20-2 O/U)

Despite the occasional hiccup, the New Jersey Devils have been on the move since late October. While they recently lost consecutive games for the first time in nearly two months, they have won three games in a row and 16 of their last 20 overall. Additionally, the Devils have won seven of their last 10 meetings with the Blue Jackets, including three in a row, and their last three trips to Columbus. Considering this is arguably the best team the Devils have put together in recent seasons, they should continue to dominate this matchup.

New Jersey ranks third in expected goals and fifth in shots at five-on-five. The Devils have the second-best power play rate (30.1) in the league and only six teams have scored more goals (3.34) than in 60 minutes. According to Evolving Hockey, no team has scored more expected goals, and according to Natural Stat Trick, only three teams have scored more dangerous shot attempts. The Devils have five players with at least 10 goals, but the duo of Jack Hughes (13-28-41) and Jesper Bratt (14-28-42) have been virtually unstoppable all season.

They are also the third-best defensive team in the league in terms of expected goals conceded, and thanks to solid goaltending, only two teams have allowed fewer goals. It is unclear whether Jacob Markstrom will start on Monday, as Jake Allen recently returned to the team after last appearing on December 8th.

Blue Jackets Handicap (12-20 SU, 16-16 ATS, 21-10-4 O/U)

Whatever the Blue Jackets had to offer appears to have fizzled out as they have reverted back to the losing track. Columbus started well, winning five of its first nine games, but a six-game losing streak followed. The Blue Jackets briefly appeared to be back on track, winning six of eight games, but they have since lost eight of nine games, including five in a row. Columbus scored a lot of goals and ranked sixth in goals per 60 minutes on Dec. 1, but the Blue Jackets have since ranked 29th in that category and only four teams have allowed more goals.

It’s unclear what caused the Blue Jackets’ fall, but it’s clear that this is the case. According to Evolving Hockey, Columbus was the third-best team in number of unblocked shot attempts on December 1, but only ten teams have been worse since then. The Blue Jackets ranked seventh in even-strength expected goals through their first 23 games, but ranked 29th over their last nine games. Not to mention, they have allowed four or more goals in 15 of their last 23 games. Tampa Bay, Carolina and Edmonton all scored between four and six goals in recent games against the Blue Jackets, and New Jersey should do the same.

Best bets for Devils vs. Blue Jackets

Jack Hughes Anytime Goal (+155)
Jack Hughes over 1.5 points (+175)

This strategy worked for another top star on Wednesday, and applying the same approach to Jack Hughes is a good bet. Hughes has scored five of his 13 goals in his last 10 games and has recorded multiple points in six of his last nine games. He also scored seven goals in his last eight games against Columbus and scored two or more points in four of those meetings. Given Columbus’ current form, it’s clear that the chances of getting both props should be much lower than they are. In fact, it is objectively true. Given the Blue Jackets’ defensive woes and Hughes’ strong performance this season, as well as his historic win in this matchup, the betting market should have a lot of confidence in him and his supporting cast.

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