Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the NHL match.
The Utah Hockey Club continue their four-game road trip along the East Coast and tonight they'll be hosted at the Prudential Center in Newark. The local Devils have kicked off the new season with three wins from their first four games.
New Jersey Devils
The New Jersey Devils have already netted 14 goals, and this is despite their top-line leaders not yet hitting full stride. Their most recent away victory against the Washington Capitals (5:3) was secured by the efforts of their third line: Tomáš Nosek, Erik Haula, and Paul Cotter. This trio has already racked up an impressive 14 points. There were concerns about their defensive line without the injured Luke Hughes. However, 21-year-old Seamus Casey, a second-round pick in the 2022 draft, has stepped up, contributing in the second power-play unit and scoring two goals.
Utah Hockey Club
A new location, new uniforms, and a new owner seem to have breathed fresh life into the former Coyotes. It was clear from the start that this team is stacked with talent up front, but they are now playing with a remarkable level of energy. The Utah Hockey Club have managed to score five goals each against the Chicago Blackhawks, the New York Islanders, and the New York Rangers. Impressively, three of their forwards—Logan Cooley, Dylan Guenther, and Clayton Keller—are among the top 10 scorers in the league.
New Jersey Devils vs Utah Hockey Club Prediction
While it's early to make definitive judgments, the initial momentum is crucial. The Devils will likely welcome the opponents' open style of play, as they can excel in it with their star-studded top-six. Therefore, our pick for this game leans towards the total over.