The New Jersey Devils need other players to step up offensively with Jack Hughes sidelined for the remainder of the season.
One player who has been at the forefront since No. 86 went down is Timo Meier. My Devils vs. Penguins predictions expect that to continue on Saturday, with Meier serving as a focal point of the attack and capitalizing on a great matchup.
Let’s break things down further with my March 15 NHL picks.
Devils vs Penguins prediction
My best bet: Timo Meier Over 0.5 points (-140 at Bet365)
My analysis
Timo Meier is playing some of his best hockey of the season. He has picked up four points over his last five games while leading the New Jersey Devils in shot attempts and rush attempts since Jack Hughes suffered a season-ending injury.
Meier is getting more run, routinely skating on the top line at 5v5 alongside captain Nico Hischier. He has also been promoted to the No. 1 power play unit, where he’s already scored a goal.
Without Hughes’ dynamic offensive ability, the Devils are asking Meier to step up and play a more prominent role. Thus far, he’s been up to the task.
Meier finds himself in a good matchup to keep the good times rolling. The Pittsburgh Penguins are in miserable form defensively, ranking 28th in shot suppression since the 4 Nations tournament concluded.
They’ve given up a ton of goals along the way, conceding them at a higher clip than all but the Buffalo Sabres.
Meier has a great track record against Pittsburgh, producing 11 points over the last nine head-to-head meetings.
Given he’s being utilized in premium offensive situations, and the Penguins are a mess defensively as well as in goal, Meier seems likely to build on those numbers Saturday afternoon.
Devils vs Penguins same-game parlay (SGP)
Timo Meier Over 0.5 points
Timo Meier Over 2.5 shots
Kris Letang Over 1.5 shots
The Penguins are playing some of their worst defensive hockey of the season, which is saying a lot. Only the Blackhawks, Ducks, and Maple Leafs – who are missing their best defender in Chris Tanev – have allowed more shots on goal over the last 10 games.
A healthy chunk of that volume has come from wingers. In fact, no team has allowed more shots to wingers in that span.
Meier has averaged 6.4 shot attempts per game without Hughes and cleared 2.5 shots in both matchups against non-playoff teams, combining for nine shots on goal against the Blue Jackets and Flyers.
Meier should continue to shine against a Penguins squad that is bleeding shots to his position.
Going the other way, it’s a nice positional matchup for Kris Letang as well. The Devils have allowed the 2nd most shots to defensemen over their last 10 games.
Letang has recorded multiple shots in eight of his last 10 home dates, averaging 2.7 shots on 6.4 attempts along the way.
The Devils also sit 26th on the season in shots allowed from Letang’s primary shooting zone, according to Props.cash.
He should have plenty of opportunities to fire the puck in this one.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
Devils vs Penguins odds
Devils vs Penguins live odds
Devils vs Penguins opening odds
- Puck line: New Jersey -1.5 (+180) | Pittsburgh +1.5 (-212)
- Moneyline: New Jersey -139 | Pittsburgh +123
- Over/Under: Over 6.0 (+105) | Under 6.0 (-120)
Devils vs Penguins trend
Timo Meier has found the scoresheet in five of his last six games against Pittsburgh. Find more NHL betting trends for Devils vs. Penguins.
How to watch Devils vs Penguins
| Location | PPG Paints Arena, Pittsburgh, PA |
| Date | Saturday, 3-15-2025 |
| Puck drop | 3:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | ABC |
Devils vs Penguins latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA.
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