The New Jersey Devils look to extend their winning streak to five games when they face the Detroit Red Wings tonight at 7 p.m. ET at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. Despite being slight underdogs at -108 on the moneyline, the Devils are riding a wave of success and need a flawless finish to the regular season to keep their playoff hopes alive. The Red Wings, however, will be missing their captain Dylan Larkin, a key loss that has historically weighed heavily on Detroit’s performance in his absence.
Game Odds and Expert Predictions for Tonight’s Clash
Tonight’s contest has attracted various expert insights and betting odds, with the Devils favored narrowly due to their recent surge in form. Sportsbooks currently list New Jersey at around -108 to -110 on the moneyline, reflecting growing confidence in their chances despite a rest disadvantage from back-to-back games. The Red Wings face an uphill battle without Larkin, whose leadership and scoring have been vital for Detroit throughout the season.
Key Factors Behind the Devils’ Recent Success
The Devils’ breakthrough has been led in part by goaltender Jake Allen, who is expected to start after sharing net duties with Jacob Markstrom. Allen has endured tough luck during previous outings, losing seven of his last eight starts despite solid goaltending, allowing more than three goals in just one of his last five games. Offensively, New Jersey has exploded for 15 goals over their last three matches, a sign that their scoring drought may be ending.
Coach Sheldon Keefe’s squad appears motivated to maintain their winning rhythm, and the lack of rest from games on consecutive nights might paradoxically give the Devils an edge as they seek to carry momentum forward.
Score projection: Devils 4, Red Wings 2
Impact of Dylan Larkin’s Absence on the Red Wings
Detroit’s struggles without captain Dylan Larkin are well-documented. According to StatMuse, the Red Wings hold a dismal 16-27-6 record when Larkin is sidelined, translating to a points percentage of just .389. Larkin’s injury, described as day-to-day after a recent game against the Panthers, leaves the team without its primary offensive catalyst and leader on the ice. The captain has been a consistent presence this season, recording 55 points across 63 games.
Jack Hughes Emerges as a Vital Contributor for the Devils
Jack Hughes, a gold-medal winner for Canada, has returned to New Jersey with renewed vigor. He has recorded more than 3.5 shots on goal in three of his last four games, including impressive five-shot efforts during those outings. Over the last five games, Hughes has averaged five shots per game, tallying a total of 25 attempts.
After scoring his second hat trick of the season just days ago against the Rangers, Hughes looks poised to deliver another impactful performance. His confidence and recent scoring burst make him a key player to watch in tonight’s matchup.
Strategic Betting Approaches for the Red Wings vs. Devils Game
Considering their current form and the injury report, many experts are backing the Devils to cover the moneyline. A recommended wager is on New Jersey to win, combined with betting on the total goals to go over 5.5, given the offensive power displayed. Jack Hughes is also favored for player prop bets, particularly for shots on goal and an anytime goal scorer pick, supporting bettors who expect his recent hot streak to continue.
Same-Game Parlay Recommendations to Maximize Return
Bettors looking for higher payoff can consider a same-game parlay that includes: Devils moneyline (-110), over 5.5 total goals (-120), Jack Hughes over 3.5 shots (+120), and a bonus pick of Hughes scoring anytime (+190). This parlay offers a substantial potential return with odds up to +2133 on some betting platforms.
Looking Ahead: What This Game Means for Both Teams
The Devils’ push for a fifth consecutive victory is critical as they fight for a place in the playoffs. Maintaining their hot form could propel them deep into the postseason, but a loss here could stall their momentum. For the Red Wings, overcoming the absence of their captain and breaking their recent poor record without him is essential to keeping their own hopes alive. Tonight’s outcome will be a telling indicator of which team has the resilience and firepower to finish the season strong.
