Devils look to resume hot streak versus ice cold Canucks - Preview, Pick and Props!

With the All-Star festivities in the rear view mirror, the NHL gets back underway tonight with somewhat of a lopsided matchup in New Jersey. 

Vancouver Canucks @ New Jersey Devils 

Perhaps no one in the NHL needs a reset quite like the Canucks. Coming into tonight with a 20-26-3 record having dropped all but three of their last 10 games, this season has not been what the folks in Vancouver wanted. However, a reset isn’t the only thing this team needs, as they could use some playmakers, particularly on defense, to make this second half worth watching. Unfortunately, with a trade sending long-time Canucks’ center Bo Horvat to the Islanders, it looks like Vancouver may be pulling the plug on this season. 

Meanwhile, the only thing that could be going better for the New Jersey Devils is if New Jersey were located on the west coast with Vancouver. The Devils have cruised to a 32-13-4 start to the season that would be good enough for first place in the western conference, however has them currently in fourth place in the east, thanks to the scorching pace of the Bruins, Hurricanes and Maple Leafs. Behind the play of Jack Hughes, the Devils won eight of their last 10 before the All-Star break. Despite having all the momentum possible heading into the pause of All-Star weekend, the Devils may actually be thankful for the break, as New Jersey played in seven overtime games in the month of January. 

This game is a huge mismatch that we’re looking to take advantage of. With New Jersey ranking sixth in both goals scored and allowed, we’re expecting the Devils to have their way with the Canucks, who sport the second-most goals allowed this season, averaging nearly four goals given up a game. Now without Horvat, look for the Canucks offense to struggle even more in its attempt to keep up with the number of goals given up by their back line.

Pick: Devils -1.5 

Total: Over 6.5 goals

Team total: Devils over 2.5 goals