Devils vs Flyers Picks and Prediction – 4/13/2024

In an Eastern Conference showdown, the New Jersey Devils, holding a 38-37-5 record, will clash with the Philadelphia Flyers, who sit at 37-32-11. Both teams will look to bolster their standings as they face off at the Wells Fargo Center on Saturday. The Devils recently overcame Toronto in a thrilling 6-5 victory, while the Flyers enjoyed a 4-1 win over the Rangers. Hit the ice running with our NHL picks.

The Devils' offense is anchored by Jesper Bratt, who leads the team with 55 assists and 27 goals, showcasing his critical role despite a -6 plus/minus rating. However, New Jersey's defensive woes are highlighted by a 29th ranking in goals against, allowing a substantial 276 goals this season. This defensive shortcoming could be a decisive factor in the upcoming game.

Despite notable injuries to key players like Jack Hughes and Tomas Nosek, the Devils have shown toughness. The recent performance against Toronto demonstrated the ability to score under pressure, suggesting a potential for high-scoring encounters. With a power play efficiency of 22.8%, ranked 9th in the league, and a penalty kill at 80.8%, the special teams play could be crucial in the face of Philadelphia’s weaker power play.

Philadelphia, on the other hand, exhibits a stark contrast in offensive capabilities, ranked 24th in goals for with 229 and 26th in assists. Travis Konecny leads the Flyers with 35 goals and a more favorable +5 plus/minus rating, standing out as a key offensive figure. The Flyers' defense, although better than the Devils', still struggles as evidenced by a 23rd rank in goals allowed.

The Flyers' strength lies in the penalty kill, which is one of the league's best at 83.3%. However, the power play struggles significantly, ranking last in the NHL at 12.4%. This aspect could hinder the Flyers ability to capitalize on the Devils' penalties. Recent wins, such as a solid performance against the Rangers, indicate a potential to exploit any lapses by the Devils' defense.