PREMIUM
Rogers' ICE BREAKER >> SICK 10-2 NHL Run! Won 5 STRAIGHT!
(NHL) New Jersey vs. Chicago,
Money Line: -177.00 Chicago (Home)
Result: Loss
Money Line: -177.00 Chicago (Home)
Result: Loss
The set-up: The New Jersey Devils have opened 10-4-2 but there is no rest for the weary. Less than 24 hours after salvaging the finale of their three-game homestand, they kick off a four-game road trip Sunday against the 8-7-2 Chicago Blackhawks. The Devils were one of the biggest surprises in the NHL in the early going, winning nine of their first 11 games but have now dropped four straight (0-2-2) before edging Florida 2-1 on Saturday. As for Chicago, the Blackhawks' slow start is troubling, after they were swept out of last year's playoffs 4-0 by Nashville (note: Chicago led the Western Conference last season with 109 points).
New Jersey: The Devils held on for the 3-2 victory last night at home over the Florida Panthers, after taking a 2-0 lead on goals by Damon Severson and Kyle Palmieri. Goalie Cory Schneider made 32 saves in the victory, which snapped a four-game losing streak for New Jersey. Kyle Palmieri scored the winning goal for New Jersey in his second game back from a lower-body injury that sidelined him for six contest. "I think our team was starting to get a little down on ourselves," Palmieri said. "We weren't getting the results we wanted, but this is a good way to propel us into the weekend. It's a big back-to-back for us. I'm looking forward to playing Chicago tomorrow night."
Chicago: The Blackhawks avoided a third straight setback on Saturday, as they overcame a two-goal deficit in the third period and posted a 4-3 overtime triumph in Carolina. Rookie Alex DeBrincat was an offensive force, scoring two goals before setting up Brandon Saad's team-leading seventh tally 1:44 into the extra session. DeBrincat's effort gave him six points in as many games and was his second career multi-point performance. Each of Chicago's last two home games have resulted in shutouts, as the club blanked Philadelphia 3-0 on Nov. 1 before suffering a 2-0 loss to Montreal four days later.
The pick: The Blackhawks have reached the three-goal mark just once in their last six at United Center, after totaling 15 goals in their first two on home ice. However, Chicago is catching a tired New Jersey team which has lost its early-season mojo. Chicago was 26-10-5 on home ice last season and I expect this veteran club to get things sorted out quickly. Why not start here? Make Chicago an 8*
New Jersey: The Devils held on for the 3-2 victory last night at home over the Florida Panthers, after taking a 2-0 lead on goals by Damon Severson and Kyle Palmieri. Goalie Cory Schneider made 32 saves in the victory, which snapped a four-game losing streak for New Jersey. Kyle Palmieri scored the winning goal for New Jersey in his second game back from a lower-body injury that sidelined him for six contest. "I think our team was starting to get a little down on ourselves," Palmieri said. "We weren't getting the results we wanted, but this is a good way to propel us into the weekend. It's a big back-to-back for us. I'm looking forward to playing Chicago tomorrow night."
Chicago: The Blackhawks avoided a third straight setback on Saturday, as they overcame a two-goal deficit in the third period and posted a 4-3 overtime triumph in Carolina. Rookie Alex DeBrincat was an offensive force, scoring two goals before setting up Brandon Saad's team-leading seventh tally 1:44 into the extra session. DeBrincat's effort gave him six points in as many games and was his second career multi-point performance. Each of Chicago's last two home games have resulted in shutouts, as the club blanked Philadelphia 3-0 on Nov. 1 before suffering a 2-0 loss to Montreal four days later.
The pick: The Blackhawks have reached the three-goal mark just once in their last six at United Center, after totaling 15 goals in their first two on home ice. However, Chicago is catching a tired New Jersey team which has lost its early-season mojo. Chicago was 26-10-5 on home ice last season and I expect this veteran club to get things sorted out quickly. Why not start here? Make Chicago an 8*
