Mon Mar 24 23:10:00 UTC 2025: ## Canucks vs. Devils: Over 5.5 Goals Predicted Despite Hughes Absence
**Newark, NJ** – Despite the absence of New Jersey Devils star Jack Hughes, betting analyst Todd Cordell predicts a high-scoring affair when the Vancouver Canucks and Devils face off Monday night. Cordell’s analysis points to an “Over 5.5 goals” prediction (+125 odds at Pinnacle), arguing that the game will exceed the market’s expectation.
The Canucks’ recent offensive surge, scoring 3+ goals in five of their last six games, is a key factor. While the return of Canucks goalie Thatcher Demko after a six-week absence might present some uncertainty, Cordell believes Demko’s post-injury performance might not be at its peak, potentially benefiting the Devils’ offense.
Even without Hughes, the Devils maintain a decent offensive capability, ranking 12th in scoring chances and boasting an 11%+ shot conversion rate in his absence. However, their defensive struggles, conceding 32 goals in their last nine games, are a concern.
Adding to the prediction, the historical “Battle of the Hughes” between the brothers has consistently resulted in high-scoring games, averaging 8.7 goals per game in their last seven meetings. The current betting odds, however, imply only a 44.4% chance of exceeding 5.5 goals, leading Cordell to see value in the “Over” bet. The Devils’ recent slump, including three losses in their last four games, and internal team tensions further support this prediction. While Elias Pettersson’s injury status for the Canucks remains uncertain, the considerable betting action on the Canucks and the shifting odds toward the “Under” strengthen Cordell’s argument for the “Over.”
First Piper 