The Sunday NHL schedule will get underway with a matinee between the Columbus Blue Jackets and the New Jersey Devils from the Prudential Center. The Blue Jackets (3-6-0) scored a franchise record 258 goals last season and pulled off a major heist by signing LW Johnny Gaudreau (40 goals, 75 assists) away from Calgary. On Friday, Columbus could not solve Boston G Linus Ullmark (30 saves) during a 4-0 road loss.'
Columbus surrendered a goal midway through the first period to Matt Grzelcyk and was unable to stop the bleeding with three more goals allowed in the second period. The Blue Jackets were outdrawn in the faceoff circle by a 32-23 margin and failed to score on three power-play opportunities.
The New Jersey Devils are playing their 40th anniversary season and have a bright future with some talented, young players in the fold. The brightest star for New Jersey is 2019 number one overall draft pick Jack Hughes, who had 26 goals and 30 assists in just 49 games last season. On Friday, Hughes scored a power play goal 2:59 into the third period to lift New Jersey to a 1-0 home victory versus Colorado.
Former Washington G Vitek Vanecek stopped 24 shots to record his first shutout for his new team. Jesper Bratt (10) and Dougie Hamilton (5) assisted on the goal for the Devils, who won 34 of 48 faceoffs on the night.'
Recent Betting Trends
- Blue Jackets are 17-37 in their last 54 road games.
- Devils are 3-10 in their last 13 home games.
- Over is 6-2 in Blue Jackets last 8 overall.
- Over is 7-1 in Devils last 8 vs. a team with a winning % below .400.
- Over is 3-1-1 in the last 5 meetings.
Free NHL Pick:
OVER 6.5