Devils' netminder Nico Daws looks to play key role in shutting down the Panthers nine game winning streak
Four teams ride into Saturday on a nine game winning streak, one of which is the Panthers, who have carved up everyone they’ve played and beat good teams like the Rangers, Avalanche, Kings and Golden Knights twice. The winning streak is their third-longest in team history and they will look for their tenth win at home, against the New Jersey Devils, who’ve been put through the ringer lately with a slew of injuries right as they are going through one of the toughest run of games on their schedule. They will still be missing star forwards Jack Hughes and Timo Meier along with trying to manage serious goaltending issues and having to start youngster Nico Daws.
It seems like the perfect recipe for the Panthers to get their tenth in a row or will they be surprised by the Devils? With these questions, it offers up a great chance to find an edge and hopefully profit from it. Here is our best bet for the Devils and Panthers matchup that should help you get a win.
All betting lines are from Bet365 and are subject to change. Please gamble responsibly.
Pick: Nico Daws over 28.5 saves (-125)
The Panthers have been hammering opposing goalies with an average of 34.1 shots per game during their winning streak. They are going to force the pressure onto Daws and will make him the focal point of the game for the Devils. If they want a chance to win, they will need him to make saves and he has so far in the NHL with a huge 36 save performance versus the league’s best offense in Vancouver last Saturday and will need to have a similar performance once again.
Opposing goalies have made 28 or more saves in six of the Panthers nine game winning streak and the Devils have been giving up more shot chances as they are missing key defenseman Dougie Hamilton. They are averaging 29 shots against per game over their last five games and will see a jump due to the forecheck of the Panthers.