New Jersey Devils vs Chicago Blackhawks - NHL Prediction & Betting Tips - AI Analysis & Odds (Mar 29, 2026)

New Jersey Devils

5 - 3

Chicago Blackhawks

NHL·Prudential Center

Team	P1	P2	P3	Total
New Jersey DevilsDevils	1	1	3	5
Chicago BlackhawksBlackhawks	2	0	1	3

AI vs Analyst Prediction

Predicto AI

Correct

New Jersey Devils to win

@1.65

View Reasoning

The New Jersey Devils have a better overall record and are positioned higher in the standings compared to the Chicago Blackhawks. Given their recent form and home advantage, they are likely to secure a win.

Human Analyst

Correct

Over 6.5 total goals

@2.40

View Reasoning

Both teams have struggled defensively this season, with the Devils allowing 188 goals and the Blackhawks 181. Given the offensive potential of both squads, this matchup is ripe for a high-scoring game, especially considering the recent form of both teams indicates a tendency to concede goals.

Split call — see both takes above

Team Statistics

Devilsper gameBlackhawks

37-32-2 · 76 pts27-38-8 · 67 pts

52%

Win Rate

37%

-30

Goal Diff

-42

2.2

Avg Goals For

1.9

2.7

Avg Goals Against

2.5

71 GPTotal Goals: 159 · 14173 GP

Eastern Conference

#	Team	GP	W	L	OTL	PTS	GF	GA	Form
1	Carolina Hurricanes	82	39	22	7	113	296	240	-
2	Buffalo Sabres	82	42	23	9	109	288	241	-
3	Tampa Bay Lightning	82	40	26	6	106	290	231	-
4	Montreal Canadiens	82	34	24	10	106	283	256	-
5	Boston Bruins	82	33	27	10	100	272	250	-
6	Ottawa Senators	82	38	27	11	99	278	246	-
7	Pittsburgh Penguins	82	34	25	16	98	293	268	-
8	Philadelphia Flyers	82	27	27	12	98	250	243	-
9	Washington Capitals	82	37	30	9	95	263	244	-
10	Detroit Red Wings	82	30	31	10	92	241	258	-
11	Columbus Blue Jackets	82	28	30	12	92	253	253	-
12	New York Islanders	82	29	34	5	91	233	241	-
13	New Jersey Devils	82	29	37	3	87	230	254	-
14	Florida Panthers	82	32	38	4	84	251	276	-
15	Toronto Maple Leafs	82	23	36	14	78	253	299	-
16	New York Rangers	82	25	39	9	77	238	250	-

Western Conference

#	Team	GP	W	L	OTL	PTS	GF	GA	Form
1	Colorado Avalanche	82	48	16	11	121	302	203	-
2	Dallas Stars	82	38	20	12	112	279	226	-
3	Minnesota Wild	82	31	24	12	104	272	240	-
4	Vegas Golden Knights	82	30	26	17	95	265	250	-
5	Edmonton Oilers	82	32	30	11	93	282	269	-
6	Utah Mammoth	82	33	33	6	92	268	240	-
7	Anaheim Ducks	82	26	33	6	92	273	288	-
8	Los Angeles Kings	82	22	27	20	90	225	247	-
9	San Jose Sharks	82	27	35	8	86	251	292	-
10	St. Louis Blues	82	33	33	12	86	231	258	-
11	Nashville Predators	82	28	34	10	86	247	269	-
12	Winnipeg Jets	82	28	35	12	82	231	260	-
13	Seattle Kraken	82	26	37	11	79	226	263	-
14	Calgary Flames	82	27	39	9	77	212	259	-
15	Chicago Blackhawks	82	22	39	14	72	213	275	-
16	Vancouver Canucks	82	15	49	8	58	216	316	-

Standings & Form

The New Jersey Devils enter this matchup sitting 21st in the NHL standings with a record of 37-32-2, accumulating 76 points over 71 games. Their recent form shows signs of stabilization, with a sequence of one win, three draws, and a loss (LWDDD). Meanwhile, the Chicago Blackhawks are firmly at the bottom, ranked 31st with 67 points from 73 games and a less encouraging recent stretch of two losses and three draws (LLDDD). The Devils’ slight edge in momentum could be critical given Chicago’s struggles.

Goals For & Against

Offensively, New Jersey has managed 159 goals while conceding 189, reflecting a negative goal differential of -30. Their rate of scoring averages about 2.24 goals per game, but their defense has allowed 2.66 goals per contest, highlighting some vulnerabilities. Chicago, on the other hand, has scored 141 goals but allowed 183, a differential of -42, and their defensive lapses have been more pronounced despite having played two more games. These numbers suggest a potentially high-scoring game, especially considering both teams’ defensive inconsistencies.

Defensive Structure

Both teams have struggled to maintain tight defensive systems throughout the season. The Devils’ 189 goals against place them in the lower third of the league defensively, while Chicago’s 183 goals conceded also point to porous back ends. Neither team has been particularly reliable in overtime, with New Jersey holding only two OT losses and Chicago eight. The defensive shortcomings on both sides could lead to an open game where offenses have more room to operate.

Betting Angle

Given the statistical profiles, the expert pick leans toward betting the over 6.5 total goals at odds of 2.10, as both teams have allowed over 2.5 goals per game and have shown defensive weaknesses. The AI favors a New Jersey Devils win at 1.75, reflecting their better standing and recent form. For bettors, focusing on goal totals might offer more value than puck line bets considering the defensive lapses.

Martin Anderson

Human analyst

Professional betting analyst with 10+ years of experience in sports data analytics and statistics. Featured on The Athletic, 433, and ESPN. Currently maintaining a 70% win rate this season across NHL, SHL, and Liiga markets. See the public track record.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What's your prediction for this game?

The New Jersey Devils are favored to win against the Chicago Blackhawks based on their better form and standings. The Devils hold a 37-32-2 record with 76 points and a slightly better goal differential (159 GF vs. 189 GA) compared to Chicago’s 27-38-8 record and 67 points. Despite the Blackhawks’ defensive struggles, both teams have similar goals against, but New Jersey’s recent form (LWDDD) is stronger than Chicago’s (LLDDD). With no prior head-to-head games this season, the data supports betting on the New Jersey Devils to secure the win.

Which team has better recent form?

The New Jersey Devils have shown more resilience recently with a form string of LWDDD, including three draws and a win in their last five games. In contrast, the Chicago Blackhawks have struggled, registering LLDDD, which means two losses and three draws over their last five. New Jersey’s 76 points place them 21st in the league, while Chicago is last at 31st with 67 points. Overall, the Devils have maintained a more stable performance this season compared to the Blackhawks.

What are the best betting opportunities?

The best betting market for the New Jersey Devils vs Chicago Blackhawks game is the over 6.5 total goals, currently offered at 2.10 odds. Both teams have conceded a high number of goals this season (Devils 189 GA, Blackhawks 183 GA), and their combined scoring (159 GF vs 141 GF) suggests a high-scoring game. With no prior head-to-head data this season, betting over 6.5 goals is sensible given both teams’ defensive vulnerabilities and offensive capabilities.

How do these teams match up historically?

There are no head-to-head games recorded this season between the New Jersey Devils and Chicago Blackhawks, with both teams standing at 0 wins each in their matchups. This lack of recent direct encounters means no recent scores or trends can be drawn from their head-to-head history. Fans and bettors will be watching closely to see how these teams stack up in their first meeting of the season.

What are the key line matchups?

Key matchups in the New Jersey Devils vs Chicago Blackhawks game revolve around New Jersey’s slightly stronger offense (159 goals for) against Chicago’s porous defense (183 goals against). Both teams concede a high number of goals per game, suggesting the Blackhawks’ defense will be tested by the Devils’ scoring ability. New Jersey’s recent form (LWDDD) gives them momentum, while Chicago’s struggles (LLDDD) highlight potential defensive lapses to exploit.

Should I bet on the favorite or underdog?

Betting value lies in backing the New Jersey Devils to win at 1.75 odds, reflecting their better form and league position. Additionally, the over 6.5 total goals at 2.10 offers good value considering both teams’ high goals against and offensive output. The puck line market may be riskier given the Blackhawks' defensive struggles, so focusing on the Devils’ win and a high-scoring game provides the best balanced betting opportunity.