New Jersey Devils vs. Tampa Bay Lightning: Picks, Predictions, Odds and Player Props

One of multiple fantastic games in a loaded 12-game NHL slate coming up on Saturday is the New Jersey Devils vs. the Tampa Bay Lightning.

These teams have already met once in this young season in a high-scoring affair that has the Devils looking for a little bit of payback. 

Although the Lightning got the best of the Devils last month, Tampa is on the outside looking in of the current, and far from final, playoff picture. This game will bring out the best efforts in both teams looking for a valuable, early-season two points. 

New Jersey Devils vs. Tampa Bay Lightning betting picks and predictions

New Jersey Devils ML (-115)

These teams have trended in opposite directions in recent weeks. The Lightning have just snapped a four-game losing streak which includes losses to the Blues and Flyers. In their last five games, Tampa has four losses and a -4 goal differential.

In contrast, the Devils are coming off back-to-back wins over the reigning Stanley Cup Champion Florida Panthers as part of a run of seven wins in their last nine games.

The Devils outscored a stellar Panthers team 10-3 in their consecutive head to head wins, and have a +19 goal differential in their last nine games. That is an average win by 2.11 goals per game so this is a good team in good form. The Lightning will be a challenge, but the Devils are the more reliable play right now.

Anthony Cirelli over 0.5 points (-135)

In a game between a couple of good teams with talented, experienced rosters, the top players will be leaned on heavily and for Tampa, it will be their first line of which Anthony Cirelli centers.

Cirelli will be between Nikita Kucherov and Brandon Hagel, as well as centering the top power play, and that should consistently provide him ample opportunity to produce. Tonight will be no different.

Tampa beat New Jersey 8-5 last month in a game which Cirelli had four points and his line had nine points. That is not a sustainable outcome over the season, but something about the matchup with the Devils brings a little extra something out of Cirelli.

Look for him to get plenty of high-leverage ice time and opportunities to get on the scoresheet.

Jack Hughes anytime goalscorer (+155)

Also in that 8-5 Lightning win over the Devils was a one-goal and two-assist performance from Jack Hughes. That is far from surprising considering Hughes is one of the best players in the NHL.

A +155 number for a player like Jack Hughes to score has plenty of appeal. It has even more going for it considering his production of late.

In New Jersey’s last five games, Hughes has tallied four goals and 10 points. He centers a very productive line which includes Jesper Bratt and Ondrej Palat, and is also on the team’s top power play.

Whether this is a high-scoring game or low-scoring game, close game or blow out, Hughes has a chance to score every time he steps on the ice. Tonight we get +155 odds for him to do so.

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New Jersey Devils vs. Tampa Bay Lightning odds

New Jersey Devils	-115 ML
Tampa Bay Lightning	-105 ML
Puck Line	NJ Devils -1.5
Total	O/U 6.0

New Jersey Devils vs. Tampa Bay Lightning player props

Anytime Goalscorer

Nikita Kucherov	+115
Jack Hughes	+155
Jake Guentzel	+155
Nico Hischier	+170
Brandon Hagel	+190
Jesper Bratt	+210

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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.