The New Jersey Devils and Vegas Golden Knights (52%) are both excellent at limiting expected goals, in part due to their ability to stay out of the box.
That creates a strong framework for a low-scoring game, which is why I'm targeting the Under with my Devils vs. Golden Knights prediction and NHL picks for Friday, Oct. 30.
TOP PICK
Devils vs Golden Knights prediction: Under 6.5
I see value on the Under to 58%.
The New Jersey Devils have allowed 2.4 expected goals per game, trailing only the Hurricanes. They’ve largely controlled the puck and played a buttoned-up defensive game.
Subpar goaltending has prevented their results from being elite, but the addition of Connor Hellebuyck will change that.
The Vegas Golden Knights have defended extremely well in their own right. They sit third with an average output of 2.6 xGA per game.
Combine strong defensive play with few power-play opportunities — the Devils and Golden Knights are the two most disciplined teams in the NHL — and I don’t see either side scoring in bulk.
COVERS INTEL: The Devils and Golden Knights both rank inside the Top-10 in high-danger chances against per 60 minutes of 5-on-5 play. Grade A looks should be hard to come by.
Devils vs Golden Knights combo
The Devils and Golden Knights both rank Top-3 in expected goal suppression and are excellent at avoiding penalties. That’s a good recipe for six goals or fewer.
Even in a low-scoring environment, I trust Jesper Bratt to get involved. His line is generating an elite 3.8 xGF/60 at 5-on-5, and the top power play unit should soak up most of the usage in a game where opportunities should be hard to come by.
Shea Theodore leads Vegas in 5-on-5 shot attempts, and that volume is especially important in a game between two disciplined teams.
Devils vs Golden Knights combo
- Under 6.5
- Jesper Bratt Over 0.5 points
- Shea Theodore Over 1.5 shots
Devils vs Golden Knights player prop: Jesper Bratt Over 0.5 points
Playable to 59%.
Bratt skates alongside Jack Hughes and Arseny Gritsyuk on a line that has won the expected goals battle by 1.9 xG per 60 minutes, the seventh-largest differential in the league.
They are tilting the ice nightly and a threat to produce against any unit in the NHL. Bratt is also a primary facilitator on the man advantage, where the Devils have an edge.
The Golden Knights are 24th in shot suppression and 28th in goals against on the penalty kill. Projected starter Adin Hill has also performed below expectations, posting an .895 save percentage despite an .899 xSV%.
Devils vs Golden Knights goal scorer: Jack Hughes
Hughes is fifth in the NHL with 8.1 expected goals but has scored just four times. I'd back him to find the net at up to 39%.
Of the Top 15 players in xG, Hughes is the only one who hasn't scored at least five goals. Heck, 11 of the other 14 have seven or more.
Hughes has shot 11.8% or better in four of the past five seasons, so the mediocre finishing we've seen is unlikely to persist, especially with him generating better shot quality than ever before.
Hill has conceded slightly more goals than expected this season and struggled mightily a year ago. He's someone Hughes should take advantage of.
- Top picks: 16-17, -3.61 units
- Combos: 5-28, -9.52 units
Devils vs Golden Knights odds
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- Moneyline: Devils 49% | Golden Knights 52%
- Over/Under: Over 6.5 (46%) | Under 6.5 (55%)
- Spread: Devils +1.5 (71%) | Golden Knights -1.5 (30%)
For the full slate of NHL matchups, check out our NHL odds board!
Devils vs Golden Knights trend
The Under is 5-0 in the last five meetings between New Jersey and Vegas. Find more NHL betting trends.
How to watch Devils vs Golden Knights
| Location | T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, NV |
| Date | Friday, Oct. 30, 2026 |
| Puck drop | 6 p.m. ET |
| TV | SN+, NHL Network |
Devils vs Golden Knights latest injuries
Check out our NHL injuries page for updates on every team.
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
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