New Jersey Devils - Detroit Red Wings predictions and free betting tips [12/10/2023]

The New Jersey Devils and Detroit Red Wings are set to meet in their first match at the Prudential Center.

New Jersey Devils

The Devils are demonstrating high ambitions ahead of the new season, combining youthful energy with veteran experience. The past season, where the Devils secured second place in the Metropolitan Division with a 52-22-8 record and 112 points, marked the starting point for further growth. The team fortified their ranks in the off-season, signing contracts with Meyers and Toffoli, a move that should inject a new dynamic into their gameplay. There is a particular focus on enhancing goaltending performance - Vitek Vanecek and Akira Schmid should perform better.

Jack Hughes, who acquired 99 points last season, is ready to showcase his high level skills again, while Jesper Bratt and Nico Hischier also plan to continue their ascent to star status within the league. The team's defensive line-up is undergoing changes following the departure of Damon Severson and Ryan Graves. However, thanks to the acquisition of Colin Miller and Cal Foote, and an increased role for Kevin Bahl, New Jersey is prepared to plug the gaps in defence. There have also been changes to the offensive positions. Alexander Holtz, chosen 7th in the 2020 draft, is ready to make a contribution.

The preliminary team line-up suggests the creation of a powerful initial trio comprising of Meyer, Hischier and Toffoli, followed by Bratt, Hughes and Mercer. The Devils have all the necessary resources for serious competition in the upcoming season. The task now is to prove themselves over the course of the 82 regular championship matches.

Detroit Red Wings

Ahead of the NHL 2023-24 season, the Detroit team upgraded its roster to enhance their playoff chances. At the end of last season, the team occupied 7th place in the Atlantic Division with a 35-37-10 record, earning 80 points. During the off-season, new players joined the team, notably Alex DeBrincat, who scored over 40 goals in each of his two seasons. His skill and expertise are set to enhance the gameplay of forward teammates JT Compher, Daniel Sprong, and Klim Kostin. Additionally, the team already includes three Michigan Wolves' graduates - Dylan Larkin, Andrew Copp, and JT Compher.

Last season, the Red Wings' defensive line did not deliver the best performances. Still, acquisitions such as Jeff Petry, Shayne Gostisbehere and Justin Holl should strengthen their defence. Moritz Seider, 2022's Rookie of the Year, is poised to deliver a high level of performance following a challenging off-season.

The team's goaltending line-up also saw a revamp. Ville Husso will serve as the main goalkeeper, with 35-year-old veteran James Reimer, formerly of San Jose, as the backup. While this goaltending duo is not considered elite, their standard should provide the team with respectable resistance in most matches.

Match Prediction - New Jersey Devils vs Detroit Red Wings

Detroit is nearing the end of its lengthy rebuilding process, but they're not yet in league with the Devils, whose roster is evidently stronger. After Toffoli and Meyer joined the Devils, the team boasts two standout offensive stars, playing alongside Jack Hughes. Adding Nico Hischier and Jesper Bratt to this combination will make the task of competitors from the Penguins, Rangers and Hurricanes much more difficult. Despite the fierce competition in the Metropolitan Division, the Devils stand a good chance of securing the title. Possible weaknesses—the defensive line and playoff inexperience—may not significantly impact their regular-season performance. The Devils can start demonstrating their superiority as early as Friday morning by securing a win in regular match time.