Luke Hughes debut: NJ Devils vs. Buffalo Sabres odds, picks prediction

The New Jersey Devils take the ice in their regular-season home finale as they face the Buffalo Sabres at 7 p.m. Tuesday at Prudential Center.

And it will mark the NHL debut of Luke Hughes, who will be suiting up for New Jersey on home ice.

This is the Devils' first game since a 2-1 loss to the Boston Bruins at TD Garden on Saturday.

The Sabres kept their slim playoff hopes alive with a 3-2 shootout victory over the New York Rangers on Monday night at Madison Square Garden.

Here are my picks and predictions for this playoff-deciding matchup with odds powered by Tipico Sportsbook.

Devils vs. Sabres puck line: Devils -1.5 (+100)

I was on the wrong side of the Sabres/Rangers last night but I'm betting on New Jersey to bounce back in this spot and here's why.

The Devils are 16-24 against the spread (ATS) at home but have won four straight games at Prudential Center by a combined 14 goals. Three of those contests were by multiple goals with the lone exception being a 2-1 victory over the Rangers on March 30.

Buffalo holds the best ATS road record this season (27-12) and has covered the +1.5 puck line in five straight games on the road.

With how dominant New Jersey has been on home ice recently, bet on the Devils to win this one by at least two goals.

Devils vs. Sabres total: Under 6.5 goals (+125)

The over is juiced to a whopping -170 price but I'm on the under in this one.

New Jersey has been back-and-forth going over or below this total in recent games but are better at home going 5-3 to the under in its last eight contests.

With the under being 21-7-2 in the last 30 meetings in New Jersey, wager on there being six or fewer goals scored Tuesday night.

Devils vs. Sabres moneyline: Devils (-230)

This is a must-win scenario for both clubs. The Devils are pushing to win their first division title since 2009-10, while the Sabres are trying to make the playoffs for the first time in 12 seasons.

With the Devils well rested, and the Sabres playing their third game in four nights, I think the Devils cruise to victory here as they end Buffalo's playoff hopes and potentially take the Metropolitan division lead with a Carolina Hurricanes loss in regulation Tuesday night.

My Best Bets

Place a wager on the Devils moneyline (-230), to cover the -1.5 spread (+100) and the under 6.5 total goals scored at +125 on Tipico Sportsbook.