New Jersey Devils vs Minnesota Wild Picks & Predictions

Jacob Markstrom (New Jersey Devils) Over 23.5 Saves (-122)

The bet on Jacob Markstrom for Over 23.5 in the 'Player Total Saves' market is supported by various statistical factors. Markstrom's L5 away games statistics show an average of 24.6 saves per game, which surpasses the line set by the bookmaker. Furthermore, the model predicts an average of 25.93 saves for Markstrom, again comfortably above the line. Markstrom also faces a relatively high number of shots in away games, with an average of 29 shots against per game. While his recent performance is not on a hit streak, his hit rate over the last 14 away games shows he has exceeded this line in 9 out of 14 games. Therefore, despite the implied probability being close to a coin flip, the combination of Markstrom's past saves averages, the model's prediction, and his shots against average all point towards the likelihood of him making over 23.5 saves.

Minnesota Wild vs New Jersey Devils : New Jersey Devils +1.5 (-179)

The bet on New Jersey Devils +1.5 in the Puck Line market is rationalized by their recent superior head-to-head record against Minnesota Wild, where they've won 4 out of their last 5 encounters. Despite being the away team, the Devils' goals against average in the last 5 games (2.2) is comparable to that of the Wild (2.2), suggesting a close defensive match-up. Furthermore, both teams have averaged the same number of even-strength goals (1) in their last 5 home and away games respectively, indicating a likely tight scoring game. The model prediction of 0.22 with a standard deviation of 1.64 also suggests a low-scoring affair. Therefore, with a 1.5 goal start, the Devils are statistically favored to cover the Puck Line, making this a well-justified bet.