The Boston Bruins and New Jersey Devils both have a lot to play for in tonight's game, with Bruins looking to tie the NHL record with 62 regular-season wins, while the Devils are trying to capture first place in the Metropolitan division (and the Eastern Conference's No. 2 seed).
Both enter this game on winning streaks and while the NHL odds make it tough to pick a side to emerge in this game, with how much talent both sides possess and all of the offensive skill on display, my best free NHL pick is leaning toward a lot of goals being scored in Beantown.
I'll break down that bet, and more, in my Bruins vs. Devils betting predictions for Saturday, April 8.
Devils vs Bruins best odds
Devils vs Bruins picks and predictions
The Boston Bruins and New Jersey Devils are two of the best offensive teams in the NHL, sitting No. 2 and No. 6 in goals per game this season, and they are powered by superstar forwards.
Jack Hughes is currently one point away from the Devils franchise record of 96 points (set in 2000-01 by Patrik Elias) and he has been vocal about wanting to beat that record. The 2019 first-overall pick has blossomed into an elite talent this season, tallying 42 goals and 53 assists in 75 games, and he has three goals with seven assists in his last 10 games.
He leads the charge for a New Jersey squad that also has some great depth with Hughes' linemate Jesper Bratt (70 points), the second-line combo of Nico Hischier and Dawson Mercer (77 and 55 points), blueliner Dougie Hamilton (73 points), and trade deadline acquisition Timo Meier, who is still trying to find his footing in NJ but has 40 goals on the year.
On the other side, David Pastrnak would be among the Hart Trophy favorites if not for the existence of Connor McDavid, as he has put the B’s on his back this season. He is second in the league with 57 goals (only behind McDavid) and his 104 points is good for fifth in the league.
He's been especially hot down the stretch, scoring 10 times in his last 10 games on a line with Pavel Zacha and Tyler Bertuzzi, and oh yes, there are still a couple of other guys that help Boston score too — perhaps you've heard of Brad Marchand and Patrice Bergeron?
As mentioned above, these are two elite offenses, but don’t get me wrong: They are both very strong defensive teams too. However, I think Hughes, Pastrnak, and the boys are going to put on an absolute show today — I am loving the Over.
My best bet: Over 6 (-110)
Not intended for use in MA.
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Devils vs Bruins moneyline analysis
As good as the Devils have been this season, the one team they have not been able to overcome is Boston. The B’s have taken all three previous meetings this season, outscoring the Devils 15-5.
The Bruins continue to impress at TD Garden as they have been far and away the best team on home ice all year long, skating to a 32-4-3 record — and they have absolutely torched the Devils on home ice over the past couple of years as well, winning 17 of the last 22 meetings in Boston.
The Devils have been a really good team on the road, but with Boston having the chance to tie an NHL record at TD Garden, it's going to be very difficult for New Jersey to win.
Devils vs Bruins Over/Under analysis
I touched a bit on how good these teams are offensively, as the talent goes way beyond Hughes and Pastrnak.
These teams have three lines that can all score goals, as the Devils have four players on their roster with 70+ points and have scored 12 goals in their last three games.
The Bruins don’t have any 70-point scorers outside of Pasta, but don't ignore the talent in Marchand and Bergeron, coupled with the emergence of Zacha and Jake DeBrusk.
These are two Eastern Conference powerhouses and with both teams in the Top 10 in shot generation and high-danger chances, this game should have a ton of offense.
Devils vs Bruins betting trend to know
The Over is 4-1 in the last five head-to-head meetings. Find more NHL betting trends for Devils vs Bruins.
Devils vs Bruins game info
| Location: | TD Garden, Boston, MA |
| Date: | Saturday, April 8, 2023 |
| Puck drop: | 8:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | ABC |
