Vancouver Canucks vs New Jersey Devils Picks and Predictions October 30th 2024

Hughes brothers reunite as Devils open trip at Canucks

Making on a bet on this NHL game featuring the Devils versus the Canucks? The puck drops at 10:30 ET, and you can watch it all unfold on ESPN+. The game will be played at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, BC. The over/under for this game is set at 6.5 goals, and the Canucks are favored by -1.5 vs. the Devils in a non-conference matchup.

New Jersey vs. Vancouver Key Information

• Teams: Devils at Canucks
• Where: Rogers Arena Vancouver
• Date: Wednesday, October 30th
• Betting Odds VAN -114 | NJ -105 O/U 6.5

The Devils Can Win If…

The Devils improved to 6-4-2 with a 6-2 road win over the Ducks. New Jersey covered the puck line as -1.5 goal favorites, and the total of 8 goals surpassed the pre-game line of 6.5.

After falling behind 1-0 in the first period, the Devils responded with six straight goals. Five different players found the net for New Jersey in the win.

New Jersey’s offense fired 34 shots on goal and netted six in their 6-2 victory over Anaheim. Stefan Noesen, who now has five goals this season, scored twice, including a power-play goal. Paul Cotter added his sixth goal of the season.

After a scoreless first period, Jack Hughes got the Devils on the board with his third goal of the year. Nico Hischier followed with his ninth goal, while Erik Haula rounded out the scoring with his fifth. New Jersey recorded 13 giveaways in the game.

The Devils’ defense allowed the first goal just 4:47 into the game and another at 13:10 in the 3rd period, but they held strong otherwise, leading to a 6-2 win over the Ducks. Jacob Markstrom made 24 saves with a 92.3% save percentage, while the defense added 24 hits and 10 blocks.

• Over their last three regular season games, the Devils have gone 1-2 straight up. This includes going 1-2 vs. the puck line along with an over-under mark of 3-0.
• Over their last ten regular season games, the Devils have gone 4-6 straight up. Their record against the puck line in this stretch is 4-6 to go along with an over-under mark of 6-3-1.

The Canucks Can Win If…

Vancouver’s 4-3 loss to the Hurricanes brings their record to 4-2-3. The Canucks trailed 3-1 before tying it up, but Sebastian Aho’s goal in overtime sealed the win for Carolina.

The total was set at 6 goals, but the combined 7 goals surpassed that. Vancouver, as the underdog on the puck line, didn’t cover. Three different players scored for the Canucks in the game.

Vancouver’s offense took 27 shots on goal in their 4-3 loss to Carolina, scoring three times. Brock Boeser netted his 5th goal of the season, while Quinn Hughes added his 3rd. Pius Suter rounded out the scoring with his 2nd goal of the year.

After Boeser’s goal in the 1st period, the Canucks were held scoreless in the 2nd before Hughes and Suter found the net in the 3rd. J.T. Miller picked up two assists, bringing his total to 6 for the season.

Vancouver’s defense struggled early, giving up the first goal just 5:40 into the first period and another at 1:53 into the second. Despite a third-period rally that tied the game at 3-3, the Canucks allowed the game-winner just 47 seconds into overtime. Goalie Kevin Lankinen made 28 saves with an 87.5% save percentage. Defensively, the Canucks had 3 takeaways and 28 hits.

• Over their last three games, the Canucks have gone 2-1 straight up. In these games, they have a 2-1 record vs the puck line and an over-under mark of 3-0.
• Through their last ten regular season contests, Vancouver has a record of 4-6. In these matchups, they ended with an puck line record of 4-6 and an over-under mark of 4-5-1.

The Lean

When making a moneyline pick, my choice is the Canucks to come out with a win against the Devils while playing at home. Considering the moneyline odds at -114, I’m placing my bet on the Canucks to win outright.

If you’re looking for a puck line bet, I’d suggest going with the Devils to cover. Even in the event of a Canucks victory, this game is expected to be closely fought, and the Devils should cover the puck line.

For those looking at the over/under line set at 6.5 goals, our expectation is that this game will surpass that mark, and we suggest making a bet on the over.

NHL Expert Picks today

Devils Begin Three-Game Canadian Road Swing Against Canucks with Momentum

The New Jersey Devils are heading west for a three-game road swing through Canada, kicking off Wednesday night against the Vancouver Canucks. Entering the road trip with a narrow one-point lead in the Metropolitan Division, the Devils aim to build on the momentum from a crucial 6-2 victory over the Anaheim Ducks. The team also has upcoming stops in Calgary on Friday and Edmonton on Monday. With the recent win snapping a four-game winless streak (0-2-2), New Jersey is eager to keep the energy up as they embark on one of the season’s more challenging trips.

Regaining Momentum and Confidence

The Devils’ home win over the Ducks on Sunday was vital. Stefan Noesen scored twice in a standout second period, with additional goals from Jack Hughes, Paul Cotter, Nico Hischier, and Erik Haula. Hischier’s goal, his ninth of the season, leads the league, showcasing his strong start. The win came at a crucial time for the Devils, who were feeling the pressure after recent losses. “It was important to get this win,” coach Sheldon Keefe said. “Heading into a tough road trip, we wanted to secure the points and leave feeling good.” Forward Dawson Mercer added, “Winning feels great. Getting those two points before a road trip really sets a positive tone for the team.”

The Hughes Brothers Face Off: Another Round of the “Hughes Bowl”

An exciting storyline on the trip’s opener is the “Hughes Bowl,” as New Jersey’s Jack and Luke Hughes face off against their brother, Vancouver’s star defenseman Quinn Hughes. With New Jersey holding a 6-1-0 edge in their last seven matchups, Jack Hughes acknowledged the thrill of facing his older brother but said the focus now is on the team’s performance. “It’s fun to play against Quinn, but this time it’s about us as a team,” Jack Hughes shared with NHL.com. “We’ll enjoy some family time, but the focus is on the game.”

Vancouver’s Resilience and Areas of Concern

The Canucks are coming off a close 4-3 overtime loss against the Carolina Hurricanes on Monday. Quinn Hughes, the 2024 Norris Trophy winner, scored in the third period to help rally Vancouver from a 3-1 deficit and push the game to overtime. Despite the valiant comeback, Canucks coach Rick Tocchet noted early issues with energy and movement, saying, “We had too many guys not moving their feet or winning battles early on. The last ten minutes were great, but we need a full game at that level.” Vancouver will look to learn from this performance, aiming to start stronger against New Jersey.

Devils’ Injury Update: Curtis Lazar Out, Justin Dowling Called Up

The Devils will be without forward Curtis Lazar, who sustained a lower-body injury from a hip check by Anaheim’s Radko Gudas. In response, Justin Dowling was recalled from AHL Utica to fill Lazar’s spot. Dowling’s presence brings some fresh energy to the lineup, but Lazar’s absence is still a hit for New Jersey as they face three determined Canadian teams.

Final Thoughts:

As the Devils begin their Western Canada road trip, they are poised to test their resilience and capitalize on their recent victory’s momentum. For Vancouver, this matchup offers a chance to sharpen their full-game execution, especially against a formidable division leader like New Jersey. The Devils aim to maintain their Metropolitan Division lead, while Vancouver seeks a return to consistent, high-intensity play.

What to Watch:

• Stefan Noesen’s Impact: Noesen’s recent performance has given the Devils’ offense a boost. Fans can expect him to be a key player throughout the road trip.
• Hughes Family Rivalry: The “Hughes Bowl” adds an extra layer of excitement, though the focus remains on the teams’ standings.
• Curtis Lazar’s Absence: The Devils will miss Lazar’s energy, but Justin Dowling’s call-up offers fresh depth.

With both teams motivated, the Devils and Canucks’ game promises competitive action and will set the tone for New Jersey’s challenging Canadian road swing.