The New Jersey Devils will look to break a three-game losing streak tonight against the Chicago Blackhawks at the United Center.
My Devils vs. Blackhawks see the road side doing just that, with dynamic defenseman Luke Hughes playing a pivotal role offensively.
Let’s break things down further with my Wednesday, March 26, NHL picks.
Devils vs Blackhawks prediction
My best bet: Luke Hughes Over 0.5 points (-120 at bet365)
My analysis
Luke Hughes has quietly piled up the points in recent weeks, producing 16 over his last 20 games.
That ranks Hughes seventh among all defensemen and is more than stars like Zach Werenski, Victor Hedman, Josh Morrissey, and Lane Hutson have tallied over the same period.
There’s no reason to expect him to slow down, either. With Dougie Hamilton and Jonas Siegenthaler injured, there are more minutes to go around at even-strength. Hughes has also taken over as the team’s quarterback on the New Jersey Devils' No. 1 power-play unit.
Combine those factors and Hughes has averaged 24 minutes per game without Hamilton in the lineup. He’s getting all the opportunities in the world and has strong outputs to show for it.
The offense should continue to be there tonight. The Chicago Blackhawks have conceded at least three goals in 10 consecutive games, over which time they’ve allowed 40 in total. They can’t keep the puck out of the net.
It’s a fantastic positional matchup for Hughes as well. The Blackhawks have given up the fourth-most points to defensemen this season and more than anybody when isolating for the past 15 games.
Hughes found the scoresheet against Chicago when the sides met back in December. That was while logging just 18 minutes of ice time, skating on the second power-play unit, and playing a less prominent role than he does now.
Finally, Hughes has points in 63% of New Jersey’s wins since late November, which is worth noting as the Devils are heavy favorites in Chicago.
Devils vs Blackhawks same-game parlay (SGP)
Luke Hughes Over 0.5 points
Dawson Mercer Over 1.5 shots on goal
Devils moneyline
Dawson Mercer is one of the prime beneficiaries of the Jack Hughes injury. He has shifted over to center and is being relied upon more heavily as the team’s second option at that position while also moving up to the No. 1 power-play unit.
We’ve seen a spike in Mercer’s shot volume as a result. He's attempted at least three shots in nine of 10 games sans Hughes.
For reference, Mercer has recorded multiple shots in 67% of his games this season when generating three attempts or more. Again, that’s a number he’s consistently cleared since Hughes went down.
Mercer has also generated shots and chances at a higher rate when Ondrej Palat is on his line, which will be the case in this game.
The Devils have done a good job of snapping out of losing streaks quickly all season long, dropping more than three in a row only once, which is their current winless drought.
In need of each point they can get to hold onto the third slot in the Metro Division, I expect a strong and structured performance against one of the league’s worst teams.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
Devils vs Blackhawks odds
Devils vs Blackhawks live odds
Devils vs Blackhawks opening odds
- Puck line: New Jersey -1.5 (+120) | Chicago +1.5 (-140)
- Moneyline: New Jersey -225 | Chicago +185
- Over/Under: Over 5.5 (-110) | Under 5.5 (-110)
Devils vs Blackhawks trend
Dawson Mercer has recorded 2+ shots in four straight games. Find more NHL betting trends for Devils vs. Blackhawks.
How to watch Devils vs Blackhawks
| Location | United Center, Chicago, IL |
| Date | Wednesday, 3-26-2025 |
| Puck drop | 7:30 p.m. ET |
| TV | TNT |
Devils vs Blackhawks latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA.
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