Ryan Hodges
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Wednesday brings the second single-game NHL slate this week after a huge 16-game slate on Tuesday in which all 32 teams were suited up. We’ll be back to a double-digit slate on Thursday and another exciting weekend of games. But the bridge to the latter part of the week will be the Capitals visiting the Devils tonight at 7:30 pm ET on TNT. Despite there being only one game played tonight, there are plenty of betting opportunities. If you’re looking to have some action on the game, check out our Capitals vs Devils Same Game Parlay below at +525 odds. You can also read our NHL predictions for today’s matchup.
Devils -1.5 (-110)
Over 6.5 (-135)
Dawson Mercer over 0.5 goals (+185)
Same Game Parlay odds: +525
New Jersey Devils -1.5 over Washington Capitals (-110)
The Capitals and Devils are off to different starts in the first couple weeks of this season. Neither is surprising, though. New Jersey entered the season with high expectations and Washington entered the season with low expectations, with each of those coming to fruition early on. The Devils are 3-1-1 with their only regulation defeat being a 1-goal loss. The Capitals are 1-3-1 with a -12 goal differential. That is a -2.4 goal differential per game for Washington thus far. That just will not get the job done.
Obviously, it is very early in the season and a small sample size. But at 1.8 goals scored per game, the Capitals rank last in the NHL. Unfortunately, they have allowed the 5th-most goals per game in tandem. That is not a combination that will being much success. If Washington cannot right the ship, it may be a long season. The Devils have the edge in this one and should be able to run up the score.
Read our best Capitals vs Devils player prop bets for tonight’s game
Over 6.5 (-135)
As mentioned, the Capitals are prone to giving up goals in bunches early on. That bodes well for the Devils, who are averaging 4 goals scored per game thus far which is good for 6th in the NHL. That combination of strong goalscoring by the Devils and weak goal prevention by the Capitals also bodes well for the over. The Devils should be able to do their part in contributing to a high total just fine. If that is the case, Washington will not have to do much to contribute to an over as well.
Goal prevention is an aspect that the Devils have not yet buttoned up themselves to start the season. It is not terrible, but New Jersey is currently allowing an average of 3.20 goals scored per game. With that, their average game total is 7.20 through 5 games. The door should be open for the Capitals to pop a few goals of their own. That will force the Devils to press offensively even harder to stave off the Capitals, which should only drive the game total further up.
Dawson Mercer over 0.5 goals (+185)
The Capitals appear to be as good of a team as any for a player to bust out of a slump against. That is the situation in which Dawson Mercer finds himself early on. He has yet to tally a point this season and is -1 despite a 3-1-1 record. Last year, Mercer’s 27 goals and 56 points were an improvement on his rookie season the year before, in which he had 17 goals and 42 points. This is a productive young player on the ascent who just needs a bounce.
Not to beat the dead horse, but bounces have come for Capitals opponents thus far. Mercer is currently slated on the third line with Erik Haula and Alexander Holtz, as well as the second power play with Holtz, Timo Meier, Ondrej Palat and Dougie Hamilton. The opportunity is there on a good team in a favorable matchup for a good player like Mercer to tuck one away. Dawson Mercer has played in all 82 games in both of his NHL seasons and is a significant part of the Devils’ investment in their young core. This is a reliable player who has good betting value tonight.
