ice picks

New Jersey Devils at Philadelphia Flyers (-140, 5.5)

The more things change, the more they stay the same. That’s the case with the New Jersey Devils. The club is atop the Eastern Conference standings and is 14-2 since starting the season 0-2.

The Devils are doing the same things they’ve always done to be successful. They don’t shoot themselves in the foot (third fewest penalty minutes in the league) and when things go wrong the man in the mask is there to save the day.

Martin Brodeur’s excellent play is helping out under bettors too. NJ has played under the total in Nine of the team’s last 10 games.

After Saturday’s 5-2 over Washington, Caps coach Bruce Boudreau called the Devils “the best team in the NHL.”

The Flyers can score in bunches but that’ll be difficult against a disciplined club like New Jersey.

Pick: Under

Tampa Bay Lightning at Phoenix Coyotes (-125, 5.5)

Vincent Lecavalier and Martin St. Louis have combined for 231 goals over the last three seasons. In 17 games this season, the pair has accumulated just five tallies.

Steven Stamkos and Ryan Malone are doing the heavy lifting while their mates struggle to light the lamp, but TB backers know the stars must shine for the club to sustain success.

“We need to chip in,” St. Louis told the St. Petersburg Times. “Do I think about it? Absolutely. I know how good we can be if me and Vinny start going. Am I worried? No. Am I upset about it? Yeah.”

Expect the Lightning’s elite players to step up Monday against the Coyotes.

Pick: Lightning