Devils vs Blues Odds, Picks, and Predictions Tonight: Binnington, Schmid Do Their Jobs

The St. Louis Blues host the New Jersey Devils in the second matchup of Friday’s mini two-game NHL slate.

Low-scoring affairs have been a common trend between these two teams, as there have been six or fewer total goals scored in seven of their past 10 meetings. NHL odds have tonight's total at 6.5.

Will we see another low-scoring outing, or can the goals pick up? Find out in our free NHL picks for Devils vs. Blues on Friday, November 3.

Devils vs Blues odds

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Devils vs Blues predictions

When you think of the Devils, you likely think of their high-powered and fast-paced offense. There is no denying that the forward group is very talented, but the blue line is often overlooked as a huge contributing factor to this group’s success.

In fact, at 5-on-5, New Jersey ranks higher in expected goals against per 60 minutes (xGA/60) than it does in expected goals for per 60 minutes (xGF/60). Given that this club ranks in the Top 5 of the league in goals scored per game but in the Bottom 5 in goals allowed per game, we should expect to see simultaneous negative regression and positive regression in those departments.

That bodes well for taking the Under, which is what I’m targeting in this matchup. Speaking of positive regression, that should also be in store for goaltender Akira Schmid, who is slated to start between the pipes for the Devils.

Through three starts, Schmid is 1-0-1 with a .863 SV% and a 4.08 GAA. Whether Schmid is going to be the guy or not remains to be seen, but he is absolutely better than those numbers indicate.

Meanwhile, goaltender Jordan Binnington has been the highlight of the Blues’ season thus far, posting a .916 SV% and 2.61 GAA through six starts. There have been six or fewer total goals scored in all six of those outings.

Another factor of these low-scoring games has been St. Louis’ terrible offense. At 5-on-5, it ranks last in the league in expected goals for per 60 minutes (xGF/60).

There is no question that the Devils’ explosive offense is the biggest threat in taking the Under in this spot, but there are two factors working against them. First, Binnington has been strong not only this season, but also historically against New Jersey.

Over his past five starts against the Devils, Binnington boasts a .913 SV% and a 2.62 GAA. There were six or fewer total goals scored in three of those five outings.

Second, the Devils enter this contest on the second half of a road back-to-back, so we could see some tired legs.

My best bet: Under 6 (+128 at FanDuel)

Devils vs Blues same-game parlay

Under 6.5

Blues +1.5

+189 at FanDuel

With New Jersey coming into this matchup on that aforementioned back-to-back, I think Binnington can keep this game close. The Devils are the better team all over the ice, which is why I would suggest taking the +1.5 instead of St. Louis’ moneyline.

With that said, with the goaltending advantage of Binnington versus Schmid, a low-scoring game would bode well for the Blues’ chances to keep this contest close. Another factor to consider here is how the Devils rank in the bottom half of the league in xGF/60 at 5-on-5 but second in goals scored per game.

That differential is mainly due to their unsustainable 42.4% power play, which could regress against a Blues team that ranks first in penalty minutes and in the top half of the league in penalty kill rate.

Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.

Devils vs Blues moneyline and Over/Under analysis

The Devils opened as a -156 favorite and have remained at that number at the time of writing. I would think the market would push this number longer, although the second half of a road back-to-back would probably mean there will be buy back if the number widens.

That brings us to the total, which opened at 6.5 and remains at that number. With that said, I like the Under 6 at +128 more than laying the juice at 6.5, although I think there is still value in that number if you wish to go that route.

Finally, the underdog is 7-3 ATS in the past 10 meetings between these two clubs.

Devils vs Blues betting trend to know

There have been six or fewer total goals scored in seven of the past 10 meetings between these two teams. Find more NHL betting trends for Devils vs. Blues.

Devils vs Blues game info

Devils vs Blues latest injuries

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