Adam Williams presents his prediction for the NHL match.
The three-game winning streak of the New Jersey Devils unexpectedly came to a halt against the St. Louis Blues (0:3), despite the Devils deserving a much better outcome based on their performance. Now, they have the opportunity to bounce back against another underdog, the Detroit Red Wings.
Detroit Red Wings
The Red Wings have been critically underperforming in terms of scoring, averaging just 2.5 goals per game. For them to secure a victory, they need an exceptional defensive display and a stellar performance from their goalkeeper. This month, the Red Wings have clinched six wins, during which they conceded no more than two goals, and in four instances, just one. Performing defensively at such a level against the top-tier offence of the New Jersey Devils is quite a formidable task. Adding to their woes, Patrick Kane (3+7), who has been playing a crucial role in power-play situations, is injured. At 36 years old, Kane remains pivotal, spending nearly an hour of playtime and registering 12 shots on goal, the second-highest on the team.
New Jersey Devils
The shocking defeat to the St. Louis Blues should not be alarming — the Blues were determined to impress under their new coach, blocking 24 shots. The Devils' dominance is undeniable: they led 31-20 in shots on target, 12-4 in high-danger chances, and controlled 72% of expected goals. Prior to that, they had secured 10 wins out of 13 matches, which temporarily placed them at the top of the Metropolitan Division. Alongside their formidable attacking unit averaging 3.36 goals per game, the Devils now also boast a reliable goaltending tandem with Jacob Markström and Jake Allen, who have saved 90.8% of shots faced.
Detroit Red Wings vs New Jersey Devils Prediction
The New Jersey Devils haven't lost back-to-back games for over a month. After each defeat in this stretch, they responded like a big team, claiming three victories with a total goal difference of (+8). Expect a similar outcome this time around.