Tampa Bay Lightning at New Jersey Devils Player Props, Picks and Predictions - 10/22/2024 6:45 PM EST

We have your Tampa Bay Lightning at New Jersey Devils prop betting and game preview needs covered as the Tampa Bay Lightning hit the road to face the New Jersey Devils.

Tampa Bay Lightning at New Jersey Devils Odds Info

Best Moneyline Odds: Tampa Bay Lightning +130 (bet365) / New Jersey Devils -150 (BetMGM)
Best Puck Line Odds: -1.5 - Tampa Bay Lightning -185 (DraftKings) / New Jersey Devils +162 (FanDuel)
Best Total Odds: 6.5 - Under -102 (DraftKings) / Over -118 (DraftKings)

Game Info

Date: 10/22/2024
Time: 6:45 PM EST
Location: Prudential Center (Newark, NJ)
TV: ESPN+

Historic Head-to-Head Stats and Analysis

Over the past two seasons, the Tampa Bay Lightning and the New Jersey Devils have faced off three times, with Tampa Bay emerging victorious in all three encounters. The games were played between January 11, 2024, and February 25, 2024. In these matchups, the home team won twice, while the visiting team secured one victory. Tampa Bay managed to cover the spread in two of the games, while New Jersey covered the spread once. The total score went over the set line in two of the games, while it stayed under in one. Across these games, Tampa Bay demonstrated a consistent edge over New Jersey, both in terms of outright victories and performance against the spread.

The most recent game between these two teams took place on February 25, 2024, with Tampa Bay defeating New Jersey 4-1. The game saw Tampa Bay as the visiting team, and they managed to secure the win despite being the underdog according to the closing moneyline. The scoring began in the second period, with Victor Hedman and Brayden Point each netting goals for Tampa Bay, assisted by Nikita Kucherov and others. New Jersey's Tyler Toffoli scored the lone goal for his team, assisted by Jack Hughes and Luke Hughes. In the third period, Brandon Hagel and Nikita Kucherov added to Tampa Bay's tally, sealing the victory. Tampa Bay's defense was robust, with 25 blocked shots, and their goaltender, Jonas Johansson, posted a save percentage of 0.947, allowing only one goal on 19 shots.

In terms of team statistics from the most recent game, Tampa Bay recorded 27 shots on goal and 14 hits, while New Jersey managed 19 shots and 7 hits. The Lightning's power play was ineffective, going 0 for 3, whereas the Devils converted 1 of their 4 power play opportunities. Faceoffs were dominated by New Jersey, who won 28 out of 49, compared to Tampa Bay's 21 wins. Despite these challenges, Tampa Bay's strong defensive play and effective even-strength scoring were key factors in their victory. The game concluded with Tampa Bay covering the spread and the total score falling under the set line of 6.5.

Tampa Bay Lightning at New Jersey Devils Preview

The New Jersey Devils are set to host the Tampa Bay Lightning at the Prudential Center in what promises to be an electrifying matchup. The Devils, currently leading the Metropolitan Division with a 5-2-1 record, are looking to bounce back from a narrow 6-5 overtime loss to the Washington Capitals. Despite their recent setback, the Devils have shown resilience, particularly with the standout performances of Nico Hischier, who made franchise history by scoring two goals just 10 seconds apart in their last outing.

On the other side, the Tampa Bay Lightning, holding a 3-2 record, are eager to recover from a 5-2 defeat against the Toronto Maple Leafs. The Lightning's coach, Jon Cooper, acknowledged the team's errors in their previous game, emphasizing the need for a more disciplined performance. With Jonas Johansson expected to start in goal, Tampa Bay will rely on his solid track record against the Devils, where he boasts a .913 save percentage and a 2.03 goals-against average in two career starts.

Both teams have potent offensive weapons, with the Devils' Stefan Noesen and the Lightning's Nikita Kucherov leading the charge. Kucherov, in particular, has been in scintillating form, tallying seven goals and three assists so far this season. The Devils will be without key defensemen Luke Hughes and Brett Pesce, whose returns are imminent but not expected for this game. In their absence, the emergence of Seamus Casey and Johnathan Kovacevic has been crucial in maintaining the Devils' defensive stability.

Historically, the Lightning have had the upper hand in recent encounters, winning all three matchups last season. However, the Devils are determined to leverage their home-ice advantage, despite their struggles at the Prudential Center last season. With both teams possessing high-octane offenses, this game is poised to be a thrilling contest, with plenty of scoring opportunities on both ends of the ice.

Tampa Bay Lightning at New Jersey Devils Pick: Total Goals Over

As the Tampa Bay Lightning prepare to face the New Jersey Devils, the expectation is for a high-scoring affair, making the 'over' on the total goals a compelling pick. Both teams have demonstrated potent offensive capabilities early in the season. The Devils, despite their recent 6-5 overtime loss to the Washington Capitals, have shown they can generate significant scoring opportunities, highlighted by Nico Hischier's historic two-goal burst in just 10 seconds. This offensive prowess is further supported by Stefan Noesen, who has already accumulated two goals and six assists this season.

On the other side, the Lightning's Nikita Kucherov has been in exceptional form, with seven goals and three assists, underscoring his role as a key offensive catalyst. The Lightning's recent games have also been high-scoring, including a 5-2 loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs, indicating a vulnerability in their defense that the Devils could exploit. Additionally, the Lightning's previous encounters with the Devils have often resulted in high-scoring outcomes, with the total score surpassing the set line in two of their last three meetings.

Given the Devils' current form and the Lightning's offensive firepower, combined with both teams' recent defensive lapses, the conditions are ripe for a game that exceeds the total goals line. The Devils' home-ice advantage, coupled with their determination to improve their record at the Prudential Center, adds another layer of motivation to push the pace and capitalize on scoring chances. Therefore, betting on the 'over' for total goals in this matchup aligns with the trends and statistics observed so far this season.

Tampa Bay Lightning at New Jersey Devils Top Player Prop Picks

Nikita Kucherov Over 3.5 Shots On Goal -114 (BetRivers)

Nikita Kucherov has been a standout performer for the Tampa Bay Lightning this season, already amassing seven goals and three assists. His offensive prowess is undeniable, and he has consistently been a key player in generating scoring opportunities for his team. Given his current form, betting on Kucherov to exceed 3.5 shots on goal seems a prudent choice. The Devils' defense, while bolstered by the emergence of Seamus Casey and Johnathan Kovacevic, will still be without key defensemen Luke Hughes and Brett Pesce, potentially providing Kucherov with more room to maneuver and take shots. Additionally, Kucherov's role as a primary offensive catalyst for the Lightning further supports the likelihood of him surpassing this shots on goal line.

Nico Hischier Over 2.5 Shots On Goal -125 (BetRivers)

Nico Hischier has been a vital component of the New Jersey Devils' offensive strategy, as evidenced by his historic performance in their recent game against the Washington Capitals, where he scored two goals just 10 seconds apart. This kind of offensive output highlights his ability to create and capitalize on scoring opportunities. With the Devils looking to leverage their home-ice advantage and improve their record at the Prudential Center, Hischier is expected to be at the forefront of their attack. His current form and the Devils' need to bounce back from their recent overtime loss make the over on 2.5 shots on goal a compelling pick.

Victor Hedman Over 0.5 Assists -120 (DraftKings)

Victor Hedman has been a consistent contributor to the Tampa Bay Lightning's success, particularly in setting up scoring plays. In their most recent encounter with the Devils, Hedman was instrumental, providing an assist that helped secure a 4-1 victory. His ability to facilitate play and his presence on the ice during key moments make him a strong candidate to record at least one assist in this matchup. With the Lightning's offensive weapons like Nikita Kucherov and Brayden Point in fine form, Hedman's role as a playmaker is likely to be pivotal, increasing the probability of him surpassing the 0.5 assists line.