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Vegas (12-6-8) at New Jersey (16-10-1)
- When: Dec 5 2025, 7:00 PM
- Where: Prudential Center, Newark, NJ, USA
- TV: MSGSN
Vegas vs New Jersey NHL Preview & Pick
And yes, this matchup has drama, chaos, and maybe a few questionable defensive decisions sprinkled throughout.
Moneyline: Vegas -125
Spread: Vegas -1.5 (+200)
Total: 6.0
Vegas Golden Knights Betting Breakdown
The Golden Knights roll into New Jersey with the confidence of a team that just found twenty bucks in their winter coat. They are starting a massive Eastern Conference road adventure, a five game trek that feels like a hockey themed version of a cross country field trip. Historically, December has treated Vegas well, with an absurdly good record in the month, and they opened this December with a shootout victory that was more emotional than the final episode of your favorite series.
Carter Hart made his long awaited return and immediately turned into a Disney movie protagonist, putting up 27 saves and stopping three of four shootout attempts. Shea Theodore handled the shootout game winner with a slick backhand move, then the entire team tackled Hart in celebration like he had just delivered a championship.
With Adin Hill still out, Vegas is rotating Hart and Akira Schmid like a goalie themed dance duo. And honestly, it is working. Coach Bruce Cassidy seems pleased, and when Cassidy is pleased, that usually means Vegas is cashing tickets.
Vegas enters this matchup with momentum, confidence, and a well deserved dose of good vibes.
Bettors know what that combination usually means.
New Jersey Devils Betting Breakdown
The Devils, on the other hand, are having a December that resembles stepping on a Lego barefoot. They have lost three straight at home and are playing like their energy level is powered by expired batteries. Their latest performance was a 3 to 0 shutout loss to Dallas where nothing clicked except the arena lights.
Missing Jack Hughes continues to be a massive issue. New Jersey is trying to replace him by committee, except the committee meetings appear to be unproductive. They are not generating highlight plays, they are losing puck battles, and they are stuck in fourth place in the Metro.
Coach Sheldon Keefe said the team needs a spark, which usually means coaches are one bad period away from aggressive line blender mode. The Devils are showing fatigue and frustration, and that is not a great combination when facing a Vegas team heating up.
Final Betting Prediction
When one team looks energized and emotionally boosted and the other looks like it needs a nap and a motivational speech, the betting angle becomes pretty clear. Vegas is fragile at times defensively but should still catch New Jersey at the right moment.
If the Devils want to win, they need a spark.
If the Golden Knights want to win, they just need to keep doing whatever they did last game.
Score Prediction: Golden Knights 4, Devils 2
Pick: Vegas -1.5 (+200)
Total: Over 5.5 (-135)
- NHL Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
