By: Kim Smith Published 12/23/2025, 06:40 AM ET 
The New Jersey Devils head into UBS Arena to face the New York Islanders in a Metropolitan Division matchup that carries both playoff implications and betting intrigue. With both teams hovering around the postseason cutoff line, this is the type of game where intensity ramps up and margins stay thin.
Before diving into the full breakdown, bettors should be sure to check out the rest of our free NHL picks at Winners and Whiners, where you’ll find daily previews, predictions, and betting insights for every game on the slate.
This contest sets up as a classic divisional chess match, where goaltending, special teams, and situational hockey could ultimately decide the outcome.
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Terms & Conditions Devils on the Road: Structure Over Speed
New Jersey enters this matchup with a solid road profile, posting a winning record away from home this season. While the Devils are often viewed as a team built around speed and transition offense, their recent play has shown a noticeable shift toward defensive responsibility, especially in road environments.
The Devils have been comfortable playing lower-event games away from home, limiting odd-man rushes and prioritizing clean breakouts over risky stretch passes. That approach has kept them competitive even in tight losses and has helped stabilize their goals-against numbers compared to earlier stretches of the season.
Against a defensively structured Islanders team, that discipline will be tested repeatedly.
Islanders at UBS Arena: Home Ice, But Not a Fortress
The Islanders have been respectable at home but not dominant, posting a solid yet unspectacular record at UBS Arena. While the building can generate energy in big moments, the Islanders’ success at home has largely come from their defensive system rather than offensive surges.
New York prefers to slow the game down, force opponents to the perimeter, and capitalize on mistakes rather than dictate tempo. That style often keeps games close but also limits margin for error, particularly against teams that are patient with the puck.
In divisional matchups like this, home ice helps — but it doesn’t guarantee control.
Goaltender Outlook: A Potential Swing Factor
Goaltending could play a significant role in how this game unfolds.
For New Jersey, Jake Allen and Jacob Markstrom have split duties, with Allen providing steadier results recently. Allen’s goals-against average and save percentage suggest more consistency, particularly in games where New Jersey leans on defensive structure.
On the Islanders’ side, Ilya Sorokin remains the top option when healthy, supported by David Rittich as a capable secondary. Sorokin’s numbers indicate reliability rather than dominance this season, but his ability to steal games remains a constant threat.
If Sorokin is unavailable or limited, that would meaningfully shift the betting landscape.
Injury Report Impact: Depth Will Be Tested
Injuries are a key variable entering this matchup.
New Jersey is dealing with absences on the blue line and in the forward group, which could test their depth against an Islanders team that thrives on sustained pressure and physical play. While these injuries don’t completely alter New Jersey’s identity, they do increase the importance of clean zone exits and disciplined defensive rotations.
The Islanders’ injury situation is potentially more impactful. If key contributors are unavailable — particularly at center or in goal — New York’s ability to control puck possession and defensive matchups could suffer. Against a Devils team that excels at exploiting soft spots in coverage, that matters.
Monitoring final injury confirmations before puck drop is essential for bettors.
Special Teams and Game Flow Expectations
Special teams could quietly determine this game.
New Jersey’s power play has shown signs of improvement, particularly against teams that collapse heavily in front of the net. The Islanders’ penalty kill, while effective overall, can struggle if forced into extended defensive zone shifts.
At even strength, expect a deliberate pace. Neither team benefits from a wide-open game, and both coaching staffs are likely to emphasize puck management early. That often results in cautious first periods and tighter checking throughout.
Devils vs Islanders Picks and PredictionsAgainst the Spread (Puck Line)
This matchup profiles as a one-goal game far more often than a multi-goal outcome. Both teams are comfortable playing tight, structured hockey, and divisional familiarity typically compresses scoring margins.
From my perspective, laying -1.5 with either side carries unnecessary risk. The smarter angle is taking protection with the underdog or avoiding the puck line entirely.
Lean: Islanders +1.5 New York’s style and home environment make them well-suited to keep this game within a single goal.
Total Goals: Over or Under?
This is where I see the strongest betting value.
Between:
Two defensively responsible teams Goaltenders capable of limiting rebounds Divisional familiarity Moderate shot volume metrics
…it’s difficult to build a convincing case for a high-scoring game.
At a total of 5.5 goals, the under offers value. A 3–2 or 3–1 final feels far more likely than a track meet, with empty-net risk being the primary concern.
My pick: Under 5.5 I’m comfortable backing a lower-scoring outcome based on pace, structure, and recent trends.
Final Betting Outlook
This Devils–Islanders matchup checks every box for a tight, playoff-style contest despite the calendar still reading December. Expect disciplined hockey, cautious offensive pushes, and a game that likely remains undecided well into the third period.
Best Picks to consider:
Islanders +1.5 Under 5.5 goals
Games like this reward patience — and smart betting.
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