Anaheim Ducks vs New Jersey Devils Betting Picks

The Devils haven't been as high scoring during their California games. New Jersey has averaged three goals in its last two games playing the Kings and Sharks, two below average defensive teams. The Devils conclude their four-game road trip with this match here at Anaheim, Calif. It is their fourth game in six days. Don't expect New Jersey to push pace. A more conservative approach is likely for the weary Devils playing without rest after beating the Kings, 4-1, Saturday. The Ducks have been looking better defensively, too. They have held their last two opponents, the Red Wings at home and Panthers in Florida, to two goals each. No surprise that Lukas Dostal was in goal for both of those victories. He is Anaheim's best goalie by far with a 2.74 goals against average and a .909 save percentage on the season. Dostal is expected to be in net today. The Ducks held the Devils to two goals at home last season in a 3-2 victory that went UNDER 6.5 goals. There should be fewer than seven goals in this game, too. Take the UNDER.

New Jersey is 3,000 miles from home. It's their second of a six-game trip, off a 5-2 loss at Carolina. They've lost their last two road contests allowing nine goals, including a 4-2 loss at Columbus as a -155 favorite. Anaheim has improved its defense this season, ranking sixth in the league in save percentage (.908). It's their third straight at home after a 5-3 win over Edmonton as a +240 underdog. Play Anaheim. 

New Jersey is working on two days of rest after a 7-2 win at San Jose. The offense is sixth in the NHL in goals scored (3.54 per game) and Top 10 in shooting percentage. The Devils are 83-64 on the road after scoring five or more goals in the last game, plus 16-5 on the road revenging a home loss to an opponent. Anaheim plays the second of a back-to-back after beating San Jose last night on the road. They're just 29th in goals scored (2.64 per game) and 24th in shooting percentage, while the defense is 29th in goals surrendered (3.56 per game) and 25th in save percentage (.898). The Ducks are 8-35 at home against teams that average 3+ goals, as well as 7-32 after a division game. They're also 6-25 at home when playing their fourth game in seven days and a dismal 4-37 versus winning teams in the second half of the season. Play New Jersey.