Washington Capitals at New Jersey Devils odds, picks and predictions

The Washington Capitals (5-4-2) take on the New Jersey Devils (7-4-1) Friday at Prudential Center. Puck drop is set for 7 p.m. ET. Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Capitals vs. Devils odds, and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.

The Capitals fell 4-3 to the Florida Panthers in overtime Wednesday. They have cascaded wins and losses over the last 4 games. LW Alex Ovechkin is off to a slow start with 2 goals and 6 assists in 11 games. His 8 points leads the team, which is indicative of their 31st ranking at 2.0 goals per game.

The Devils were thumped 6-3 in Colorado Tuesday as they continue to tread water with C Jack Hughes (shoulder) out. LW Jesper Bratt paces with offense with 7 goals and 12 assists. Jersey still leads the NHL with a 41.7-power play percentage, but it definitely loses luster with Hughes out.

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Capitals at Devils odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 11:36 a.m. ET.

• Moneyline (ML): Capitals +150 (bet $100 to win $150) | Devils -185 (bet $185 to win $100)
• Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Capitals +1.5 (-155) | Devils -1.5 (+125)
• Over/Under (O/U): 6 (O: -120 | U: +100)

Capitals at Devils projected goalies

Darcy Kuemper (3-3-2, 3.07 GAA, .892 SV%) vs. Vitek Vanecek (6-3-0, 3.29 GAA, .893 SV%)

Kuemper has allowed 7 goals on 46 shots in his last 2 starts. He has allowed 4 or more goals in 3 of his last 7 starts. He faced the Devils twice last season and lost in overtime in both of them. He allowed 7 goals on 74 shots.

Vanecek was knocked around for 5 goals on 31 shots in his last start Tuesday against the Colorado Avalanche. He beat the Capitals in his only start against them last season, stopping 40 of 42 shots.

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Capitals at Devils picks and predictions

Prediction

Devils 4, Capitals 3

Moneyline

The Devils are the correct side, but we’re not paying -185 with Hughes out of the lineup.

One prop I am eyeing is JESPER BRATT UNDER 2.5 SHOTS (-115). You might be thinking “3 shots? That doesn’t sound too difficult, especially with their best player out.” Bratt hasn’t had 3 shots on goal in the last 4 games, and he has only done it in 4 of 12 games this year.

Puck line/Against the spread

The Devils are 0-6 on the puck line at home this year and 3-9 overall. So do we trust the Caps not to allow an empty-netter? They are 1 of 3 teams that has not allowed one this season.

Take the CAPITALS +1.5 (-155).

Over/Under

The Capitals are 3-7 O/U in the last 10, which isn’t a surprise since they’re so futile on offense. The Devils are 8-2 O/U, and conversely, they are tied for 3rd with 3.83 goals per game.

This total has cashed in the last 2 meetings and is 5-1-1 over the last 7. It may push, but I like the OVER 6 (-120).

For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

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