New Jersey Devils vs Winnipeg Jets Predictions

New Jersey's form makes it the likely winner

The New Jersey Devils / NHL.com game-day preview reports that New Jersey is 13-5-0 after five straight wins and victories in nine of its past 10 games. Winnipeg is 7-8-3, so the Devils deserve to be favored, but their -148 moneyline requires more than a slight edge.

Jake Allen is confirmed to start for New Jersey. Jack Hughes also enters with 11 points in his past five games and a team-high 25 through 18, giving the Devils a clear source of recent scoring production.

Winnipeg's surge makes the price less appealing

Winnipeg has won three straight and can challenge New Jersey with Kyle Connor, who leads the Jets with 13 goals and 19 points through 18 games. The Winnipeg Jets / NHL.com game-day report listed Connor with Mark Scheifele and Gabriel Vilardi in the top line rushes at the previous day's practice.

The same report said Josh Morrissey's status still awaited a morning update. New Jersey lists Anthony Mantha and Seamus Casey out, while Winnipeg lists Vladislav Namestnikov, Elias Salomonsson and Nick Bjugstad unavailable. Those absences and Morrissey's uncertain status weaken the case for laying a road price without clearer lineup information.

Prediction and betting outlook

New Jersey is the more likely winner based on its record, recent form and confirmed starter. Still, the available evidence doesn't justify betting the Devils at -148 against a Jets team carrying a three-game winning streak. Pass on the moneyline.