Game Preview – New York Islanders @ New Jersey Devils
The New York Islanders visit the New Jersey Devils on Monday night at Prudential Center in Newark, where the Devils look to tie a franchise record with their eighth consecutive home victory to start the season.
New Jersey (11-4-0) remains one of the league’s early-season benchmarks, sitting second in the Eastern Conference with 22 points. The Devils improved to 7-0-0 at home after Saturday’s 2-1 shootout win against Pittsburgh. Behind goaltender Jake Allen, who made 33 saves, the Devils have outscored opponents 25–13 at home while tightening defensively after a shaky 2024-25 campaign.
The Islanders (7-6-2) arrive with momentum after consecutive road wins against Washington and the Rangers, outscoring both 8–1. Ilya Sorokin’s 33-save shutout and Bo Horvat’s two-goal performance led a 5-0 rout of the Rangers on Saturday. New York has won 11 of its last 14 trips to Newark, averaging nearly three goals per game in those contests.
Monday’s matchup pairs the Devils’ balanced attack — led by Jack Hughes and Dawson Mercer — against an Islanders club finding structure under Patrick Roy. With history on the line for New Jersey and revenge in play for New York, this Metropolitan Division clash carries both narrative weight and betting intrigue.
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Line Movement and Odds
Oddsmakers opened the Devils around -160 on the moneyline, with New York between +135 and +140. The puckline favors the Devils -1.5 (+152) and the total sits at 6.0 goals, slightly shaded toward the over (-116).
Public betting has leaned toward the Devils’ home dominance, though sharp money has trickled in on the Islanders’ road value given their recent form and head-to-head success in Newark.
Betting MarketCurrent LinePucklineDevils -1.5 (+152) / Islanders +1.5 (-183)MoneylineDevils -164 / Islanders +138Total (O/U)6.0 Goals (-116 Over / -104 Under)
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New Jersey Devils Outlook
The Devils’ offense has rediscovered rhythm, averaging 3.7 goals per game behind elite production from Jack Hughes. The 24-year-old center leads the club with 18 points through 15 games, while Dawson Mercer (15 points) and Jesper Bratt have complemented him on the wings.
At home, New Jersey’s efficiency stands out — they’ve converted 27% of power-play chances and allowed just 1.8 goals per game. Jake Allen has been exceptional in Newark, posting a 1.76 GAA and 5-0-0 record.
Defensively, the Devils’ forecheck and neutral zone control have reduced opponent transition plays, a significant improvement from last season’s struggles. The challenge remains consistency: six of their seven home wins have been by a single goal, signaling tight margins that could swing on special teams or goaltending variance.
New Jersey Devils Injury Report
Connor Brown (RW) – Questionable, upper body
Evgenii Dadonov (RW) – Out, hand
Dougie Hamilton (D) – Out, undisclosed
Johnathan Kovacevic (D) – Out, knee
Zack MacEwen (C) – Out, upper body
Marc McLaughlin (C) – Out, undisclosed
Brett Pesce (D) – Out, upper body
New York Islanders Outlook
New York’s offense appears revived after a sluggish start. Over their last two road wins, they’ve combined for eight goals while allowing just one. Bo Horvat’s seven points in five games have sparked a unit that’s climbing league ranks in power-play efficiency (8th overall).
Ilya Sorokin has rediscovered form, stopping 79 of 83 shots in his last three starts. His 2.65 GAA and .921 save percentage highlight improved rebound control and positioning. Backup David Rittich, who’s 3-1-0 lifetime in New Jersey with a 1.78 GAA, provides a capable safety net if needed.
Coach Patrick Roy’s adjustments — tighter neutral zone spacing and controlled breakouts — have restored balance. With Jonathan Drouin settling into a top-six role and Jean-Gabriel Pageau driving secondary scoring, the Islanders’ depth now matches their defensive identity.
New York Islanders Injury Report
Ethan Bear (D) – Out, undisclosed
Pierre Engvall (LW) – Out, ankle
Maxim Shabanov (C) – Out, upper body
Semyon Varlamov (G) – Out, lower body
Key Matchup / Path to Victory
The battle between Sorokin and Allen headlines this matchup. Both goaltenders enter in form, and each team’s system revolves around limiting quality chances.
For New Jersey, controlling offensive zone cycles and generating screens in front of Sorokin will be critical. The Devils’ forwards thrive off puck retrieval and east-west puck movement — an approach that must stay disciplined against an Islanders defense built to block lanes.
The Islanders’ success hinges on Horvat’s finishing and special-teams execution. If their power play continues its 25% conversion rate, they can counter New Jersey’s aggressive forecheck. Roy’s squad must also stay disciplined — the Devils are lethal with extra space and have scored in four of their last six power-play opportunities.
To understand how these dynamics affect puckline betting, visit how to bet on NHL games and sports betting for beginners.
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Betting Trends
Devils are 7-0 at home this season.
Islanders have won 11 of their last 14 games at New Jersey.
Over has hit in 5 of the last 8 meetings between these teams.
Devils are 8-3 in their last 11 conference games.
Islanders are 4-2 in their last six road games.
New Jersey is 5-1 in games decided by one goal this season.
Additional betting resources: NHL picks and NHL expert betting guide.
Prediction
This game projects as a tactical, low-scoring divisional battle. The Islanders’ recent success in Newark and Sorokin’s form make them a live underdog, but the Devils’ home momentum and power-play advantage tilt the edge slightly their way. Expect tight defensive play and limited odd-man rushes.
Projected Score: Devils 4, Islanders 2
Best Puckline Pick: Devils -1.5 (+152)
Total Lean: Over 6.0 (-116)
For expanded analysis on division races and futures, check out Stanley Cup odds and predictions and NHL conference odds breakdown.
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