(17-25  -2.49 units)

Devils moneyline +114  1*

Today, we have a second meeting and final between the Winnipeg Jets and New Jersey Devils. While there are definitely a few uncertainties on both sides, this should still be an exciting matchup with a lot of high profile players on both sides.

Right now, Winnipeg is having a much tougher time scoring goals than they did generally in the past couple seasons, and this is no surprise with some very notable departures..particularly on the back end in transitions. Though Winnipeg has proven that they can still beat top teams, the level of inconsistency appears to be quite high for the Manitoba club. Superstar Sniper Patrik Laine is also showing certain features of inconsistency in scoring that proved to be an issue last season. Though it is hard to tell how Winnipeg is going to come out on any given night, I think it is safe to say that goals are not going to going to come as smoothly for the Jets overall this season and that there will be a struggle in the games where the offense cannot find it’s groove.

The Devils have quite the opposite of a problem. While goal scoring has also been somewhat inconsistent, the main problem has been keeping the puck out of the net in the late stages while trying to defend a lead. NJ was finally able to turn the tables with a come back of their own in Carolina on Saturday, and now they will be looking to build upon that. Another obstacle that the Devils battled in the early part of the season so far was their horrible schedule, which saw them playing games so few and far between through the first three weeks of hockey. For the entire second half of October, the Devils only played four games, in which it was very difficult to accumulate any rhythm. As of the start of November, the team is certainly seeing more activity, and this should be a good thing for the high caliber roster that was projected to be quite threatening in pre season reports.

Essentially, I think not only do the Devils have one of their better efforts of the season, but this is also a revenge spot for the 5-4 loss to Winnipeg at the start of the season. Look for New Jersey to be more accurate with their shots as well as they see more ice time finally.