Devils vs Ducks Betting Preview: Predictions & Odds
When the New Jersey Devils travel to the Honda Center on Sunday, November 2nd to battle the Anaheim Ducks, bettors face an intriguing matchup that pits a talented Metro Division contender against a surging Pacific squad riding high on confidence. This comprehensive betting preview breaks down every angle you need to make informed wagers on this compelling NHL showdown.
New Jersey Devils: Navigating a Challenging Road Trip
The Devils enter this West Coast battle with a solid 9-3-0 record, though their recent performance reveals some concerning volatility. New Jersey bounced back impressively with a 4-1 victory over the Los Angeles Kings on Saturday, showcasing their resilience after consecutive setbacks.
In that Kings matchup, the Devils demonstrated character by withstanding a significant shot differential—being outgunned 44-22 on the shot counter yet still securing the victory. Jacob Markstrom delivered an exceptional performance between the pipes, turning aside 43 of 44 shots for a remarkable .977 save percentage. Goals from Halonen, Nico Hischier, and Dawson Mercer (who netted twice, including an empty-netter) provided the offensive firepower.
However, the context matters significantly for bettors. Prior to Saturday’s win, New Jersey suffered disappointing losses—a 5-2 defeat to San Jose and an 8-4 shellacking from Colorado. These defensive lapses expose vulnerabilities that savvy opponents can exploit, particularly when the Devils play on consecutive nights.
Season-wide, New Jersey has posted impressive offensive numbers at 3.73 goals per game while allowing 3.18 against. Their special teams show mixed results: a robust 32.3% power play conversion rate contrasts with an 84.6% penalty kill percentage that leaves room for improvement. Jack Hughes leads the charge with nine goals and six assists, while Jesper Bratt contributes four goals and nine helpers.
The projected starter is Jake Allen, who brings a 5-1-0 record with a 2.39 goals against average and .906 save percentage. The back-to-back scheduling situation cannot be ignored—Allen will be facing his second game in as many nights, a factor that historically impacts goaltender performance and overall team execution.
Anaheim Ducks: Building Momentum at Home
The Ducks have surprised many observers with their 6-3-1 start, establishing themselves as legitimate competitors in a challenging Pacific Division. Anaheim’s 5-2 triumph over Detroit in their most recent outing extended their excellent recent form—they’ve captured four victories in their last five contests.
Against the Red Wings, the Ducks demonstrated offensive depth with five different goal scorers: Leo Carlsson, Chris Kreider, Mason McTavish, and Troy Terry (who scored twice). Lukas Dostal continued his solid goaltending with 28 saves on 30 shots, posting a .933 save percentage. The Ducks maintained offensive pressure throughout, outshooting Detroit 32-30 despite winning just 35.8% of faceoffs and converting only one of five power play opportunities.
This victory followed an impressive 3-2 win over the Florida Panthers, punctuated by a competitive 4-3 loss to Tampa Bay. Currently sitting third in the Pacific standings with 13 points, Anaheim has established themselves as a dangerous home team.
The Ducks’ season statistics reveal a balanced approach: 3.60 goals per game offensively and 3.30 allowed defensively. Their special teams present opportunities for improvement at 20.0% on the power play and 78.8% on the penalty kill. Leo Carlsson has emerged as their most productive player with five goals and 10 assists, while Troy Terry contributes five goals and eight assists.
Lukas Dostal (4-3-1, 2.74 GAA, .909 save percentage) will likely get the starting nod, bringing fresh legs and home-ice comfort to this matchup—a significant advantage against a Devils team playing their second game in two nights.
Critical Betting Angles and Trends
Several compelling trends favor the home team in this matchup. Recent NHL betting analysis shows that road underdogs are having success this season, with home underdogs also proving slightly profitable overall. The scheduling dynamics heavily influence this game’s outcome potential.
Anaheim’s Underdog Success: The Ducks have covered in four of their last six games as underdogs, demonstrating their ability to exceed market expectations.
Puck Line Dominance: Anaheim has covered the +1.5 puck line in each of their last five contests—an impressive streak that suggests strong competitive performances even in losses.
Devils’ Back-to-Back Challenge: New Jersey sits at 4-3-0 on the road this season, and playing consecutive nights historically diminishes team performance, particularly in defensive zone coverage and goaltender effectiveness.
Total Goals and Over/Under Analysis
The over/under market presents interesting considerations for this matchup. The Ducks have shown consistent patterns regarding total goals scoring:
- Games against opponents on losing streaks have gone OVER in four consecutive contests
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals in Period 3’ market has connected in 17 of Anaheim’s last 18 home games, indicating strong late-game scoring tendencies
With New Jersey averaging 3.73 goals per game and Anaheim posting 3.60, the offensive firepower exists on both sides. The Devils’ defensive inconsistencies combined with fatigue factors could create an environment conducive to scoring.
Player Prop Opportunities
Sharp bettors should examine these player-specific trends:
Chris Kreider: The veteran winger has found the back of the net in four of his last five home appearances, making anytime goal scorer props attractive.
Leo Carlsson: Anaheim’s rising star has recorded at least one point in eight of the Ducks’ last nine games, offering consistent prop value.
Troy Terry: The Ducks’ offensive catalyst has registered assists in four consecutive games, creating potential for continued production.
Jack Hughes: Despite New Jersey’s challenges, Hughes remains their most dangerous offensive weapon and should be considered for point prop bets.
Moneyline, Puck Line, and Best Betting Pick
Current season data reveals that underdogs are winning approximately 40.6% of games, with teams like the Ducks performing well against the puck line. This statistical backdrop combined with situational factors creates compelling value on Anaheim.
The scheduling disadvantage facing New Jersey cannot be overstated. Back-to-back games test roster depth, increase injury risk, and typically result in diminished goaltending performance. Jake Allen, despite his strong season numbers, faces the challenge of consecutive starts—a situation that historically produces regression in save percentage and goals allowed.
Conversely, Anaheim brings fresh legs, home-ice advantage, and legitimate offensive weapons capable of exploiting a tired opponent. Their recent defensive improvements—allowing two goals or fewer in three of their last five games—suggest structural improvements that make them dangerous against any opponent.
The Ducks’ puck line coverage streak (five consecutive games) demonstrates consistent competitive performances. Even if bettors lack confidence in an outright victory, the +1.5 spread provides insurance against a close game.
Expert Pick: Anaheim Ducks Moneyline
The combination of New Jersey’s back-to-back scheduling, Anaheim’s surging form, and the Ducks’ proven ability to cover spreads creates substantial value on the home underdog. The Honda Center crowd will energize a Ducks team that has consistently exceeded expectations this season.
Alternative Value Play: Ducks +1.5 (Puck Line)
For more conservative bettors, the puck line offers enhanced security while maintaining profitable odds. Anaheim’s five-game covering streak suggests they’ll remain competitive regardless of the final outcome.
Insights: Key Questions Answered
Why are the Ducks favored by some handicappers despite their underdog status?
The scheduling advantage is massive—New Jersey plays its second game in two nights while Anaheim is rested. Fatigue significantly impacts NHL performance, particularly in defensive zone coverage and goaltender effectiveness. The Ducks’ recent form (4-1 in last five) combined with home-ice advantage creates legitimate win probability that market odds may undervalue.
Should bettors be concerned about the Devils’ talent advantage?
While New Jersey possesses superior individual talent—particularly Jack Hughes and Jesper Bratt—talent alone doesn’t overcome situational disadvantages. The Devils have already shown defensive vulnerabilities this season, allowing eight goals to Colorado and five to San Jose in recent games. Fatigue exacerbates these weaknesses against motivated opponents.
What’s the smartest total goals approach for this matchup?
The over presents value given both teams’ scoring capabilities and New Jersey’s defensive inconsistencies when fatigued. However, the safest approach focuses on period-specific props, particularly third period scoring given Anaheim’s documented late-game offensive success at home.
Are there any value player props worth targeting?
Chris Kreider’s hot home scoring streak (goals in four of last five) makes his anytime goal scorer prop attractive. Leo Carlsson’s consistency (points in eight of last nine) creates point prop value. For Devils bettors, Jack Hughes remains the primary threat despite team challenges.
How important is the goaltending matchup?
Extremely significant. Jake Allen faces his second consecutive start—a situation that statistically produces declining performance. Lukas Dostal, while not elite, brings fresh legs and home comfort. This represents a tangible advantage for Anaheim that sharp bettors exploit.
What’s the biggest risk to backing the Ducks?
The Devils’ offensive firepower remains dangerous regardless of fatigue. If Hughes and Bratt connect early, they could establish momentum that overwhelms Anaheim. Additionally, veteran teams sometimes respond to back-to-back challenges with focused, disciplined performances. The risk exists, but the reward justifies the exposure given current market pricing.
