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Boston (37-23-6) at New Jersey (33-31-2)
- When: Mar 16 2026, 7:00 PM
- Where: Prudential Center, Newark, NJ, USA
- TV: ESPN
Boston vs New Jersey NHL Preview & Pick
Moneyline: New Jersey -122
Spread: New Jersey -1.5 (+210)
Total: 6.0
Breaking down a Metropolitan Division matchup with playoff implications for one side and spoiler potential for the other. Boston is battling for postseason positioning while New Jersey looks to disrupt teams still chasing the playoffs.
Boston Bruins: Road Form Remains the Big Question
Boston continues to fight for its playoff spot in the Eastern Conference but the Bruins know their road play must improve if they want to secure a stronger position in the standings. The Bruins have been dominant at home this season with 51 points, yet their road record has been far less impressive with just 29 points from a 12-14-5 mark.
That inconsistency showed again recently before Boston finally snapped a seven game road skid with a 3-2 shootout win over Washington. Charlie McAvoy led the charge with another strong performance, scoring twice in the comeback effort. The defenseman has caught fire lately with eight points during his current six game point streak.
Goaltending remains a key storyline for Boston entering this matchup. Jeremy Swayman has been solid but the Bruins may choose to rest him during the back to back schedule. That could open the door for Joonas Korpisalo to start in Newark.
Boston currently holds one of the Eastern Conference wild card spots and every point matters as the regular season winds down. With most of their remaining games coming against conference opponents, these matchups carry major betting significance.
New Jersey Devils: Playing the Role of Spoiler
The Devils are well outside the playoff picture but that has not stopped them from creating problems for teams still fighting for postseason spots. New Jersey showed its offensive potential in a wild 6-4 victory over Los Angeles during its current homestand.
Captain Nico Hischier delivered a huge night with four points, including a key goal during the third period comeback. Hischier now leads the Devils with 23 goals this season while Jesper Bratt continues to drive the offense with 37 assists and 51 total points.
In net, Jake Allen stepped in with a solid performance against the Kings, stopping 27 shots. However Jacob Markstrom could return to the crease after starting most of the Devils recent games.
Despite their strong showing against Los Angeles, the Devils have been inconsistent at home with a 17-15-2 record. They will try to close out their seven game homestand with another upset.
NHL Betting Prediction
Boston has dominated this matchup recently and the urgency of the playoff race should bring out a focused effort from the Bruins.
Score Prediction: Bruins 4, Devils 3
Pick: Boston ML (+102)
Total: Over 6.0 (-103)
- NHL Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
