It’s a Hughes brothers' theme Tuesday night at Rogers Arena when the New Jersey Devils visit the Vancouver Canucks.
Once the puck drops, however, it’s simply a battle between two teams needing a win.
Jersey is coming off a stunning loss to the Sharks, who had yet to win on the road all year. Vancouver, meanwhile, will try to stop alternating a win with a loss like they’ve done in the last eight.
The NHL odds have both teams as -110 on the moneyline. Let’s break down the matchup and check out my free NHL picks for Devils vs. Canucks on Tuesday, December 5.
Devils vs Canucks odds
Devils vs Canucks predictions
It wasn’t exactly the best send-off for a four-game Western road trip, as the New Jersey Devils got smoked 6-3 by the Sharks last game, snapping a three-game winning streak. In a jumbled Metropolitan Division, wins are already at a premium, with six points separating the seventh-place Devils from the second-place Carolina Hurricanes.
If there is a place for Jersey to get right, it’s against these Vancouver Canucks, as the Devils have reeled off a remarkable 14 wins in the last 15 head-to-heads. Vancouver’s lone win in that stretch was a 6-3 win at home in March of 2022.
After a blistering start, the Canucks have not been able to put together back-to-back wins since the middle of November. They got the first leg of that completed Saturday night, hanging on to beat the Calgary Flames 4-3.
This matchup features two of the highest-scoring teams in hockey. The Devils are averaging 3.59 goals per game, which ranks fourth in the NHL. However, they are looking up at the ‘Nucks, who are second overall in scoring, potting 3.84 a contest.
The Devils get as much as they give, however, surrendering 3.78 goals per game, which is second-last in the NHL, ahead of the bottom-feeding Sharks. Vancouver, meanwhile, is surrendering 2.54 per game, placing it fifth in the league. The Canucks are one of only two teams to rank inside the Top 5 in both goals scored and allowed, along with the LA Kings (who happen to be first in both).
Vancouver owns a distinct advantage between the pipes if Thatcher Demko gets his fourth straight start. He’s 12-6-0 with a 2.26 GAA and a .924 save percentage. Those are numbers that Vitek Vanecek just can’t match, as he’s 8-5-0 with a 3.49 GAA and a .879 save percentage.
That could be enough to tilt this affair to the home team, who also happen to be 8-2-1 at Rogers Arena. Look for this edition of the Canucks to shake this funk against the Devils.
My best bet: Canucks moneyline (-110 at SIA)
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Covers may receive advertising commissions for visits to a sportsbook or betting site.
Devils vs Canucks same-game parlay
Canucks moneyline
Jack Hughes anytime goal
Over 6.5
Over 1.5 first-period goals
We couldn’t have a same-game parlay and not include any of the Hughes brothers — with Jack and Luke visiting Quinn, just the ninth time in NHL history three siblings have played in the same game.
Let’s go with Jack Hughes here, who leads the Devils’ attack and ranks 10th in the NHL in scoring. He’s coming off a goal in a loss to San Jose and has scored in three straight. He’s also had his way with the Canucks, with snipes against them in four straight contests, picking up five goals and four assists in the process. In his career, he’s had a goal in five of six career games against Vancouver.
Taking the Over seems to be a no-brainer considering these teams are two of the top-scoring teams in the league. New Jersey owns the top power-play unit in hockey, converting at a crisp 36% clip, with Vancouver fourth at 27.5%. Both are also in the Bottom 10 in the penalty kill, tied for the seventh-worst PK at 75%.
While we’re talking Overs, these teams like to fire out of the gate. The last eight Devils games have gone over the 1.5-goal total in the first period while six of the Nucks’ last 10 games have also had two or more.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
Welcome to Sports Interaction 2.0
Looking to bet on some NHL action? Join Sports Interaction, the best in Canada for new bettors, with a brand-new platform featuring same-game parlays, increased prop markets, and more!
Devils vs Canucks moneyline and Over/Under analysis
Earlier Monday, you could have caught New Jersey with plus odds on the moneyline, but it’s a difficult bet to find. Most books are offering them at equal odds to the home team, with the largest disparity being the Devils at -105 and the Canucks at -115.
This is one of the few games where oddsmakers have touched the 7.0 goal total. There were some opening totals set at six, but you’re now mostly looking at 6.5 lines.
The Devils are an Over dream, with 17 of their 22 games crossing the total. Vancouver is no slouch, either, with the Over going 15-8-2 on the season so far.
Devils vs Canucks betting trend to know
Seven of the Canucks' last eight games against Metropolitan Division opponents have gone Over the total goals line. Find more NHL betting trends for Devils vs. Canucks.
Devils vs Canucks game info
| Location: | Rogers Arena, Vancouver, BC |
| Date: | Tuesday, December 5, 2023 |
| Puck drop: | 10:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | NHL Network |
Devils vs Canucks latest injuries
Stay updated with the latest picks, odds, and news! Tap the 
to add us to your favorites on Google News to never miss a story.
