NHL Free Pick: Montreal Canadiens vs. New Jersey Devils
Hockey betting fans sure are getting their money’s worth from the free nhl picks we give out here at Capperspicks.com.
Team records:
Montreal: 23-23-5
New Jersey: 33-14-1
Tonight, 7:00 p.m. ET
Sportsbook odds: Canadiens +160, Devils -190
To start or not to start Marty Brodeur? That’s the question facing Jacques Lemaire tonight. Normally, it’s an easy decision – start the ageless puckstopper whenever you can and always start him against the Montreal Canadiens, as his French Canadian background motivates him to bring his A-game against them. But since New Jersey plays tomorrow as well, Lemaire could rest Brodeur tonight. Keep an eye on that before you make your pick tonight.
The Devils haven’t been totally invincible of late, losing three of four and scoring just three goals in their last three games. Especially if Brodeur doesn’t play tonight, they’ll have to get their offense going. 
After last year’s 45-goal campaign, Zach Parise has just five tallies in his last 24 games. Perhaps he’s finally starting to suffer the effects of Lemaire’s smothering defense-first system.
The Habs have been a pushover in 2010, losing four of their last five. Maybe they could use a break from the pressure of Montreal? They played five of their last six games at home. They deserved better in a hard-fought loss to the Blues on Wednesday night. The Habs have scored a respectable 12 goals in their last four games and recent acquisition Benoit Pouliot has been a great fit. They’re due for an inspired effort and the Devils aren’t scoring. Try for the upset play tonight – maybe even if Brodeur plays.
NHL Betting Trends:
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Montreal’s last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Montreal’s last 8 games when playing New Jersey
Montreal is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games on the road
Montreal is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
New Jersey is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Montreal
New Jersey is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games when playing at home against Montreal
New Jersey is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of New Jersey’s last 6 games
Pick: Canadiens +160
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Shea Matthews lives and breathes sports. He made the transition from athlete to sports journalist at a young age, writing in TV & national newspapers. He now applies his knowledge to sports betting and handicapping every day, and shares his winning picks with the world.
