New Jersey Devils vs. Calgary Flames Prediction, Preview, and Odds

Get ready for a high-intensity NHL face-off as the New Jersey Devils (13-10-1), sixth in the Metropolitan, clash with the Calgary Flames (11-12-3), fourth in the Pacific, at the Scotiabank Saddledome. This game, scheduled for 4:00 PM ET on December 9th, promises to be a thrilling encounter between two teams striving to solidify their standings.

Rising to the Challenge

The New Jersey Devils, holding a 13-10-1 record, are a team showcasing a blend of offensive brilliance and defensive challenges. They stand 6th in the Metropolitan Division, reflecting a season of highs and lows. Their recent performance is a testament to their resilience, as evidenced by their narrow 2-1 victory over Seattle, coupled with a high-scoring 6-5 win against Vancouver. These results underscore their ability to both grind out close games and thrive in high-scoring affairs.

Offensively, the Devils are formidable, averaging 3.7 goals per game, which ranks them fourth  in the NHL. This scoring prowess is driven largely by their dynamic power play, leading the league at 36.4%. Their offensive arsenal is spearheaded by Jack Hughes, who has amassed an impressive 33 points, making him a pivotal figure in the Devils' attack. The team's shot production is also noteworthy, with an average of 33.2 shots per game, showcasing their ability to consistently pressure opposing defenses. However, they have faced challenges defensively, with a goals-against average of 3.8 per game, ranking them near the bottom of the league at 31st. This issue is further compounded by their penalty kill percentage, which stands at a modest 75.6, ranking them 24th in the NHL.

In terms of goaltending, the Devils have seen varied performances from Akira Schmid and Vitek Vanecek. Schmid's goals against average stands at 3.03, with a .902 save percentage, while Vanecek trails with a .877 save percentage. Injuries have also played a part in shaping the team's season.

Seeking Consistency

The Calgary Flames, with an 11-12-3 record, find themselves at fourth in the Pacific Division, indicative of a season grappling with inconsistency. Their recent form mirrors this trend, securing a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Carolina but faltering in a 5-2 defeat to Minnesota. These contrasting results highlight the Flames' struggle to maintain a steady performance level, particularly in terms of their offensive output and defensive resilience.

Offensively, the Flames have been less prolific than their counterparts, scoring an average of 2.9 goals per game, placing them 22nd in the league. This is in stark contrast to their opponents, the Devils, and poses a challenge for Calgary in matching New Jersey's offensive intensity. Their power play has been particularly lackluster, with a success rate of only 12.3%, ranking them 27th in the NHL. This area needs significant improvement if the Flames are to compete effectively against the Devils' potent offense. Team leader Nazem Kadri, with 17 points, is a key figure in Calgary's attack, but the team will need more contributions across the board to elevate their scoring.

Defensively, the Flames are stronger, allowing an average of 3.4 goals per game, which places them 21st in the league. Their penalty kill is a bright spot, standing at 83.8%, ranking them ninth in the NHL. However, the team has been dealing with significant injuries, notably to goaltender Jacob Markstrom, who is sidelined with a fractured finger. His absence is a major blow to the Flames, as he has been a cornerstone of their defensive play with a 2.94 goals-against average.

Get 9 expert picks on the Sunday Night Matchup between the Eagles and Cowboys

Best Bets

Full-Game Side Bet

Rating:

The New Jersey Devils, with their offensive firepower and the NHL’s top-ranked power play, are poised to triumph over the Calgary Flames. Their ability to average 3.7 goals per game, driven by the remarkable performance of Jack Hughes, positions them as a formidable opponent for the Flames. Calgary's defense, while stronger than their offense, may struggle to contain the Devils' aggressive and high-volume shooting approach. Additionally, the absence of key players like goaltender Jacob Markstrom could leave Calgary vulnerable. The Devils' recent form, including close wins and high-scoring games, demonstrates their versatility and resilience, key factors in this matchup. Their ability to capitalize on Calgary's inconsistent form and weaker power play gives them a significant edge. Expect the New Jersey Devils to assert their offensive dominance and secure a win in this encounter.

Prediction: New Jersey Devils -126

Get 9 expert picks on the Sunday Night Matchup between the Eagles and Cowboys

Full-Game Total Pick

Rating:

For the New Jersey Devils vs. Calgary Flames game, the smart pick is to go over the total. The Devils' offensive capabilities, coupled with Calgary's decent scoring potential, set the stage for a game that's likely to surpass the average goal total. New Jersey's impressive average of 3.7 goals per game, powered by their league-leading power play efficiency, suggests they are more than capable of putting up big numbers. Their recent games, such as the 6-5 win against Vancouver, showcase their ability to engage in high-scoring encounters. On the other side, Calgary, though not as prolific, still manages an average of 2.9 goals per game. Their offensive efforts, led by Nazem Kadri, have the potential to exploit any defensive lapses by the Devils, who have been conceding an average of 3.8 goals per game. This defensive vulnerability of New Jersey, combined with Calgary's need to keep pace, indicates a likelihood of both teams contributing significantly to the total score.

Prediction: OVER 6.5

From an early age, Justin knew he would be involved with sports in some way shape, or form. Justin played baseball in high school as well as basketball. He also coached basketball during summer vacations for local recreational organizations throughout high school. In college, he began writing for the school newspaper, both news articles as well as sports but soon discovered sports was his vocation. For the last seven years, he has written sports editorials for both hard copy newspapers as well as online sites and has now joined our team here at StatSalt. He has a deep passion for breaking down the games and also being on them. Be sure and follow along with Justin on a daily basis as he will point you in the right way.