New Jersey Devils @ Carolina Hurricanes - December 28, 2024

As the New Jersey Devils prepare to take on the Carolina Hurricanes at Lenovo Center, we can expect a highly competitive matchup steeped in familiarity and perhaps even a hint of animosity. The Devils come into this game riding a three-game winning streak and sporting an impressive 6-1 record against the spread (ATS) in their last seven games. In contrast, the Hurricanes have struggled recently with only four covers in their last 14 outings, which makes for an intriguing dynamic.

From an offensive perspective, both teams are formidable. The Hurricanes average 3.471 goals per game with a shooting percentage of 11.1%. They generate about 31.6 shots per game and maintain a strong corsi percentage of nearly 59.4%. Their power play is also noteworthy, converting at a rate of approximately 25.7%, scoring around 0.8 power play goals per game.

However, the Devils are no slouches either; they score an average of 3.343 goals per game with slightly fewer shots (30.3) but boast a higher shooting percentage of 11.6%. Their power play is particularly potent, operating at an impressive conversion rate of about 31.2%, which gives them an edge when it comes to special teams.

Defensively, New Jersey holds the upper hand statistically as well—allowing only about 90.2% saves compared to Carolina’s solid but lesser mark of 88.7%. This difference could be critical as both teams look to minimize scoring opportunities for one another.

Given these trends and stats leading up to Saturday’s clash, I predict that New Jersey will emerge victorious once again over Carolina after their recent win against them on the road where they triumphed by a scoreline of 4-2 just days ago.

While oddsmakers have opened this matchup with New Jersey favored slightly at -101 on the moneyline and set the total at a lofty figure of seven-and-a-half goals, I believe that bettors should consider taking the under here based on recent performance trends from both sides: New Jersey has gone UNDER in ten out of their last eleven games while Carolina has seen six out of its last eight games hit below that total as well.

In summary:

– **Prediction**: New Jersey wins.
– **Spread**: New Jersey covers.
– **Total**: Expect it to go UNDER.

With all factors considered—the current form, statistical performance metrics on offense and defense—it seems likely that we’ll see another close contest where defensive prowess could ultimately tip the scales in favor of the Devils once more!