New Jersey Devils vs Chicago Blackhawks Prediction, 4/1/2023 NHL Picks, Best Bets & Odds

Game: New Jersey Devils vs Chicago Blackhawks

Date: Saturday, April 1, 2023

Location: United Center in Chicago, IL

TV: NBC Sports Chicago

Odds/Point Spread: Devils (-300) Blackhawks (+240)

The Chicago Blackhawks (24-45-6) host the New Jersey Devils (47-20-8) at United Center on Saturday. The line on this matchup has the Devils at -300 and the Blackhawks are coming in at +240. The over/under comes in at 7.

The New Jersey Devils were on the winning side of the scoreboard with a 2-1 victory over the Rangers in their previous game. The Devils didn't have their best offensive outing in this victory. In the game, they netted 2 of the 31 shots they put on net. In addition, they had 2 power play opportunities and netted 1 goal. New Jersey accrued 4 minutes in the box in this game.

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When discussing their goal scoring prowess, the New Jersey Devils have notched 257 goals (7th in the league) so far this season and have conceded 203. For the year, they have recorded 102 points and their points percentage comes in at .680. New Jersey has 206 power play opportunities and they have scored 44 goals during those advantages, earning them a percentage of 21.36%. At even strength, the Devils let the opposition score 165 goals while notching 213 as an offensive unit. New Jersey has taken 2,582 shots and has a shooting percentage of 10.0%. The Devils so far have had 2,122 shots tried against them and have a save percentage of .904. New Jersey Devils opponents have 213 power play opportunities (25th in pro hockey) and have earned 38 goals in those chances.

The player between the pipes for this game is Vitek Vanecek. Opponents have racked up 309 goals versus Vanecek in his pro career and his goals against rate is 2.60. Vanecek has taken the ice for 127 contests over the course of his hockey career. His save percentage is at .909 during his 7,128 mins between the pipes. He has a record of 71-32-14 and he was named the starter in 119 games. Over the course of his career, Vanecek has earned 65 quality starts and his quality starts percentage sits at .546. Vanecek has had 3,382 shots taken against him and has accrued 3,073 total saves.

In their last game, Chicago faced the Blues in an outing where the Blackhawks went home in defeat by a final of 5-3. They had 3 power play chances in this outing and scored 2 out of those opportunities. The Blackhawks had 3 goals of the 33 shots on goal they pursued.

Chicago has taken 2,001 shots (31st in professional hockey) and has a shooting percentage of 9.05%, while allowing their opponents 2,524 shots. They have a penalty kill percentage of 76.28% on their opponents 215 power play chances, and their save percentage is currently 89.3%. They have earned 219 power play chances and they have a power play percentage of 16.44%. The Blackhawks have accumulated 145 goals at even strength and 36 goals (28th in pro hockey) while on the power play. They have granted a total of 269 goals to be scored by way of 218 goals at even strength and 51 goals while they had less men on the ice. So far this year, the Chicago Blackhawks have notched a total of 181 goals, 54 points, in addition to a points percentage of .360.

On the other side of the ice you will find Alex Stalock patrolling the crease. His opposition is averaging 2.67 goals/game and he has relinquished 417 goals altogether. Stalock's quality start percentage is 54.9% and he has accumulated 79 quality starts in his pro hockey career. He has made the start in 144 contests and has racked up 9,373 minutes. Stalock has earned a lifetime record of 70-62-19 and has participated in 175 games. He has compiled 4,170 stops out of the 4,587 shots taken, which gives him a save % of .909.

Who will win tonight's NHL game against the spread or moneyline?

Josh's Pick: Take New Jersey (-300)

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