The New Jersey Devils and Vegas Golden Knights face off tonight, February 6, 2025, at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ. This marks their first meeting of the season, with both teams looking to solidify their playoff positioning. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of the game, incorporating team statistics, injuries, advanced metrics, and betting analysis.
Team Overview
New Jersey Devils
- Record: 30-19-6 (66 points)
- Standing: 3rd in Metropolitan Division
- Recent Form: 4-2-0 in their last six games but trending inconsistently.
- Key Injuries: Nico Hischier (out), Jonas Siegenthaler (out), Jacob Markstrom (out). Jake Allen is expected to start in goal.
Vegas Golden Knights
- Record: 31-17-6 (68 points)
- Standing: 2nd in Pacific Division
- Recent Form: On a four-game losing streak but have earned points in three of their last five games.
- Key Injuries: William Karlsson is out; Tanner Pearson and Raphael Lavoie are questionable. Adin Hill is projected to start in goal.
Statistical Comparison
| Category | New Jersey Devils | Vegas Golden Knights |
|---|---|---|
| Goals For (GF) | 3.07 (13th) | 3.28 (5th) |
| Goals Against (GA) | 2.51 (4th) | 2.76 (9th) |
| Power Play % | 27.39% (4th) | 28.46% (2nd) |
| Penalty Kill % | 83.44% (4th) | 77.19% (21st) |
| Shots Per Game | 29 | 30 |
| Save Percentage | .905 (Jake Allen) | .900 (Adin Hill) |
The Devils excel defensively, ranking fourth in goals against and penalty kill percentage, while Vegas boasts a slightly more potent offense and an elite power play unit.
Home/Away Performance
The Devils have been strong at home this season with a positive goal differential, leveraging their defensive structure and crowd support. Conversely, the Golden Knights have been solid on the road but are currently struggling with consistency due to injuries and fatigue.
Advanced Metrics
Advanced analytics highlight key differences:
- Corsi For %: Both teams rank above average in puck possession metrics, with Vegas slightly leading due to their offensive depth.
- PDO: The Devils’ high PDO suggests they’ve benefited from strong goaltending and shooting efficiency, while Vegas has been more balanced but less lucky recently.
Key Matchups
- Jack Hughes vs. Jack Eichel: Both centers are dynamic playmakers who can tilt the ice offensively. Hughes leads the Devils’ attack, while Eichel anchors Vegas’ top line.
- Special Teams Battle: The Devils’ penalty kill will be tested against Vegas’ second-ranked power play.
- Defensive Depth: With Jonas Siegenthaler out for New Jersey, players like Luke Hughes and Brett Pesce must step up against Vegas’ deep forward group.
Coaching Strategies
Lindy Ruff’s Devils emphasize speed and transition play, while Bruce Cassidy’s Golden Knights focus on structured defense and opportunistic scoring. Both coaches are adept at making in-game adjustments, which could prove decisive.
Rest and Schedule
Both teams enter this game with similar rest periods; however, Vegas has faced a more grueling travel schedule recently, potentially impacting their energy levels.
Betting Analysis
Odds
- Moneyline: Both teams are listed at -110.
- Puck Line: +/-1.5 goals.
- Total Points: Over/Under set at 5.5.
Predicted Final Score
New Jersey Devils 3 – Vegas Golden Knights 2
Confidence Level: Medium
Recommended Bet
- Moneyline: Back the New Jersey Devils (-110). Their defensive edge and home advantage give them a slight upper hand.
- Total Points: Consider the under (5.5). Both teams feature strong defensive systems and capable goaltending.
Player Props
- Jack Hughes Over 0.5 Assists – Hughes has been a consistent playmaker this season.
- Adin Hill Over 28 Saves – Expect Hill to face significant pressure from New Jersey’s offense.
Key Factors to Watch
- Injuries and Depth: With key players like Hischier and Karlsson sidelined, secondary scorers such as Dawson Mercer for New Jersey and Ivan Barbashev for Vegas will need to step up.
- Goaltending Duel: Jake Allen’s recent form could be pivotal against Adin Hill’s steadiness in net.
- Special Teams Impact: The team that capitalizes on power-play opportunities will likely emerge victorious.
In conclusion, this matchup pits two playoff-caliber teams against each other in what promises to be a tightly contested game. While both squads have strengths to exploit, the Devils’ defensive stability and home ice advantage make them slight favorites tonight.
