New Jersey Devils vs St. Louis Blues 2/16/2023 Free Picks, Tips and Game Analysis
On Thursday, February 16, 2023, at 9:00 PM ET, the New Jersey Devils will face off against the St. Louis Blues in NHL action at Enterprise Center, MO. The Devils have been strong on offense this season, scoring an average of 3.45 goals per game, including 13 goals in their last four games. The top two lines of Jesper Bratt, Nico Hischier, and Tomas Tatar have been particularly effective, tallying a combined 54 goals and 76 assists.
The defense has also improved, conceding only 2.62 goals per game, and have allowed only six goals in their last three games. Dougie Hamilton, Ryan Graves, and John Marino have been key contributors to the defense, while goalie Vitek Vanecek has been exceptional with a.916 save percentage, a 2.31 goals-against average on 898 shots, and 9.5 goals saved above average.
- New Jersey is 1-8 SU in their last 9 games when playing on the road against St. Louis.
- The total stayed UNDER in 4 of the Devils’ last 6 games with a rival in the Western Conference.
- The total went UNDER in 7 of New Jersey’s last 10 games with an opponent in the Central Division.
New Jersey Devils vs St. Louis Blues 2/16/2023 Free Picks, Tips and Game Analysis
Despite their recent offensive success with 12 goals in their last two games and an average of 3.11 goals per game, the St. Louis Blues are enduring a challenging season. The top two lines, led by Jordan Kyrou, Robert Thomas, and Pavel Buchnevich, have combined for an impressive 52 goals and 87 assists, with additional contributions coming from Brayden Schenn, Ivan Barbashev, and Brandon Saad with 40 goals and 50 assists.
The defense, however, has struggled, conceding an average of 3.60 goals per game and providing only 4.2 defensive point shares from Calle Rosen and Justin Faulk. Opponents have found plenty of open looks at goal, causing issues for goaltender Jordan Binnington, who has faced 1194 shots and has a.892 save percentage, a 3.28 goals-against average, and a -16.6 goals saved over average.
- St. Blues are 8-1 SU in their last 9 games when playing at home against New Jersey.
- The total went OVER in 14 of St. Louis’ last 16 games with an opponent in the Eastern Conference.
- St. Louis Blues are 6-0 SU in their last 6 games played in February.
New Jersey Devils vs St. Louis Blues. The NHL pick for this game is the New Jersey Devils. The Blues, who have won their last two games, will look to continue their momentum and pull off an upset at home against the Devils. The Devils are widely regarded as one of the top teams in the NHL, so it’s crucial for the Blues to start strong and establish their presence on the ice. However, the Devils’ potent offense, led by Jasper Bratt, Tomas Tatar, and their dynamic forwards, have shown great puck movement and the ability to generate scoring chances, averaging 3.45 goals per game. Defensively, the Devils have been solid, with Ryan Graves, Dougie Hamilton, and their blue-line corps disrupting opposing offenses and limiting shots on goal, as evidenced by their 2.62 goals allowed per game. This should allow goaltender Vitek Vanecek to make key saves and secure the win for the Devils. Overall, expect the Devils to continue their impressive form and claim the victory, with a predicted score of 7-4.
NHL Starting Time: 9:00 PM (EDT)
Location: Enterprise Center, MO
Date: Thursday, February 16, 2023
TV: ESPN
NHL Odds: New Jersey Devils +165
NHL Totals: 6.5
