The New Jersey Devils (21-15-2) travel to face off against the Tampa Bay Lightning (20-17-5) on Thursday, January 11th. This game will be played at Amalie Arena in Tampa and televised on ESPN+. The Lightning are coming off a win in their previous game, while the Devils are looking to get back on track from a loss to the Canucks. Puck drop is set for 7:00 ET.
New Jersey Devils vs Tampa Bay Lightning
The New Jersey Devils Look To Bounce Back From A Loss
Heading into today’s game, the Devils are 9th in the Eastern Conference with 44 points and a record of 21-15-2. In the Metropolitan Division, they are in 5th place. Over their last ten games, New Jersey has gone 5-5.
On the road this season, the Devils are 12-6-0, and they have been the underdog in seven of their 38 games. As the underdog, New Jersey has gone 2-5-0 and has lost three straight games in that role. Overall, the Devils have been favored in 31 games, winning 19 of them. Heading into today’s game, they have won five straight games as the favorite.
On the road this year, the Devils have a puck line record of 9-9 and an average scoring margin of +.4 goals per game. So far, they have 11 wins by multiple goals compared to 13 losses by multiple goals.
Overall, New Jersey has a puck line record of 11-27, including a mark of 3-7 in their last ten games. In their last three road games, the Devils have gone 2-1 vs. the puck line.
The Devils aim to bounce back following their 6-4 loss at home to the Canucks. On offense, the Devils were held scoreless in the first period, but found the net two times in the second period and ended with two goals in the third. In the game, New Jersey managed to score all four goals at even strength. They concluded with 25 shots on goal and committed 6 turnovers.
As the underdog, New Jersey suffered both a straight-up and loss vs. the puck line. With a combined total of 10 goals, the teams exceeded the over/under line of 6.5 goals set for the game.
The Tampa Bay Lightning Are Coming Off A Win
At home this season, the Lightning have gone 12-5-3, and they have won two straight games in Tampa Bay. Over their last ten games, the Lightning have gone 6-4 and are 20-17-5 overall. In the Eastern Conference, Tampa Bay is in 8th place and 4th in the Atlantic Division.
As the favorite this season, the Lightning have gone 12-8-1, and they have won two straight games when favored. Over their last three games, Tampa Bay has gone 2-1, and they have gone 8-11 against Eastern Conference opponents.
At home this season, the Lightning have a puck line record of 12-8, and their average scoring margin is +.6 goals per game. So far, they have 13 wins by multiple goals and 7 wins by just one goal.
Overall, Tampa Bay has gone 20-22 against the puck line, and their puck line record as the favorite is 7-14. In their last ten home games, the Lightning have a puck line record of 6-4.
In their last game, the Lightning were the hosts against the Kings, and they came away with a 3-2 win. Offensively, the Lightning faced a challenge in the first and second periods, failing to score. However, they did score two goals in the third period. In the game, Tampa Bay managed to score all three goals at even strength. They concluded with 29 shots on goal and committed 8 turnovers.
Going into the game, Tampa Bay was the underdog, giving them a win vs. the puck line. The game finished below the over/under line of 6.5 with a combined total of 5 goals.
New Jersey Offense Breakdown
When looking at their offense, the Devils have an average of 3.6 goals per game this season, positioning themselves 9th in the NHL. In terms of shots on goal per game, they are ranked 19th in the league. The New Jersey offense is ranked 7th in power play goals. As for shorthanded goals, they find themselves at 27th in the NHL.
This season, the over/under record for the Devils’ is 24-13-1. Over the course of the season, they have had 25 games that exceeded the over/under line of 6.5. On average, their games are averaging 7.1 goals per game.
Tampa Bay Offense Breakdown
When looking at their offense, the Lightning have an average of 3.2 goals per game this season, positioning themselves 6th in the NHL. In terms of shots on goal per game, they are ranked 11th in the league. Tampa Bay’s offense comes into the game ranked 3rd in power play goals. And in terms of shorthanded goals, they are 31st in the NHL.
This season, the Lightning’s have an over/under record of 18-20-4. Throughout the season, they have played 22 games that did not exceed the 6.5 over/under line. On average, their games are averaging 6.7 goals per game.
New Jersey Team Defense
Coming into the game, the Devils’ defense is 16th in takeaways at 6.9 takeaways per contest. Overall, they are giving up 3.3 goals per game which is 28th in the NHL.
Tampa Bay Team Defense
In terms of defense, the Lightning head into the game ranked 9th in goals allowed. On average, opponents are taking 30 shots per game against Tampa Bay. So far, they are 5th in shutouts, achieving 3 shutouts.
Devils vs Lightning Trends
- When looking at their past five road matchups, New Jersey has an puck line record of 3-2 while averaging 4 per game. The team went 3-2 overall in these games.
- Through their last ten home contests, the Lightning offense has averaged 3 goals per game while allowing an average of 2. Tampa Bay posted an overall record of 6-4 while going 6-4 ATS.
- Going back to their last three games as the underdog, the Lightning have a straight up record of 1-2. But, their mark vs the puck line was just 1-2.
- As the betting favorite, the Devils have an puck line record of 3-2 in their last five games. In these matchups their, straight up record was 5-0.
Devils vs Lightning Prediction
When making a moneyline pick, my choice is the Lightning to come out with a win against the Devils while playing at home. Considering the moneyline odds at -146, I’m placing my bet on the Lightning to win outright.
If you’re looking for a puck line bet, I’d suggest going with the Devils to cover. Even in the event of a Lightning victory, this game is expected to be closely fought, and the Devils should cover the puck line.
If you’re looking at the over/under line set at 6.5 goals, our prediction is that this game will exceed that mark, and we strongly advise placing a bet on the over.
All odds are courtesy of Action247 Sportsbook. Good luck!!
* All odds are provided by Action247 Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.**All views expressed are my own. My picks are my own and are not a guarantee, bet at your own risk.Action247 does not warrant the accuracy of completeness of the information, text, graphics, links or other items contained within these post.
Last updated:January 11, 2024 New Jersey Devils, Tampa Bay Lightning, Teams