New Jersey Devils (23-36-5) vs Montreal Canadiens (17-37-10)
Game Info: Sunday, March 27, 2022 at 7:00 pm (Prudential Center)
Betting Odds: New Jersey Devils -150 / Montreal Canadiens +125 --- Over/Under: 6 Click Here for the Latest Odds
The New Jersey Devils host the Montreal Canadiens in Sunday NHL Action.
The Montreal Canadiens come into this road contest with an overall record of 17-37-10. Through 64 games, the Canadiens are 8th in the Atlantic Division. On the season, they have found the net 163 times, good for a rank of 32nd among NHL teams. Heading into the game, Montreal is the 31st ranked defensive team, allowing opponents to score at an average rate of 3.77 goals per game. So far, the Canadiens have a strength of schedule rating of 15th in the league. When diving into their opponent-adjusted scoring margin, they come into this game as the 32nd ranked team in the NHL.
The New Jersey Devils get set to host the Montreal Canadiens with an overall record of 23-36-5. This mark places them 8th in the Metropolitan division. Through 64 games, the Devils have scored 197 goals, giving them an average of 3.05. This output gives them a rank of 17th among NHL teams. On defense, New Jersey is the 29th ranked unit, giving up 3.58 goals per contest. So far, the Devils have played the 4th toughest schedule in the league. And, when taking into account New Jersey's scoring margin relative to the quality of their competition, they come in with a power ranking of 23rd in the NHL.
Through 64 games, the Montreal Canadiens goal and overall scoring leader is Nick Suzuki with 47 points. He has reached his mark of 18 goals, on a shooting percentage of 12.0%. So far, 44.0% of his goals have come during power play time. Behind him is Cole Caufield, who has 18 assists to go along with his 13 goals. However, when on the ice the Canadiens are --15 in scoring differential. Montreal's top goalie is Sam Montembeault, who is giving up an average of 3.71 goals per game.
Through 64 games, New Jersey's leading goal scorer is Jack Hughes. With his 21 goals and 29 assists, he is the second in overall points, coming in at 50. On the season, he is turning 13.8% of his shots into goals. In addition, the Devils have benefited from the strong play of Jesper Bratt, who is the team's overall leader in points. In New Jersey's 64 games, he has come up with 21 goals on a shooting percentage of 12.9%. While on the ice, his offensive production has led to a plus-minus rating of +2.0. New Jersey's top goalie is Mackenzie Blackwood, who is giving up an average of 3.29 goals per game. In his 23 games played, he has come up with a quality start just 36 percent of the time.
Things haven't gone any better at home, as they are losing home games by an average of -1.06 goals. As the New Jersey Devils get set to take on the Canadiens, they have a below .500 record over their past five games, going 1-4. During this stretch, they have scored 18 goals, accounting for 42.0% of the scoring in these contests. On the other side, the Canadiens also have just 1 win over their past 5 games. Look for the Devils to pick up the much-needed win as they come into the game playing better on offense.
Joe’s Pick Devils -150
AUTHOR: Joe Kiemen
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