By: Kim Smith Published 01/29/2026, 07:05 AM ET 
The Nashville Predators head east to face the New Jersey Devils on Thursday night at Prudential Center, with puck drop scheduled for 7:00 PM ET and coverage available on ESPN+. New Jersey enters this matchup as the home favorite at -142 on the moneyline, while Nashville comes back at +120. The total is set at 5.5 goals, with the over priced at -130 and the under at +110, and the puck line lists the Predators at +1.5 (-218) against the Devils at -1.5 (+180). This interconference matchup brings together two teams trying to stabilize inconsistent stretches as the playoff picture begins to sharpen. Be sure to check out our free NHL picks for more daily NHL betting insights and expert analysis.
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Terms & Conditions Nashville Predators Searching for Road Consistency
The Nashville Predators enter this contest with a 24-23-5 overall record and have struggled to gain traction away from home, posting a 10-11-3 road mark. Nashville has shown flashes of offensive capability but has had difficulty stringing together consistent results. Over their last five games, the Predators have recently lost in overtime at Boston, dropped home games to Utah and Buffalo, and suffered a lopsided road loss at Vegas, with their lone win in that span coming at home against Ottawa. That stretch highlights the inconsistency that has plagued Nashville throughout the season.
From a statistical standpoint, Nashville has been slightly below league average offensively, scoring 2.83 goals per game while allowing 3.40. The Predators generate 28.2 shots per game and allow 28.9, suggesting many of their games are played on fairly even footing territorially. Their power play has been a relative strength, converting at a 21.0 percent clip with 33 goals, which has helped keep them competitive even when five-on-five play falters.
Defensively, discipline has been a mixed bag. Nashville’s penalty kill sits at a respectable 80.6 percent, and they have yet to allow a shorthanded goal, but the volume of penalties remains a concern. With 439 penalty minutes, the Predators often put themselves under unnecessary pressure. When Nashville stays out of the box and limits odd-man rushes, they can play structured, competitive hockey, but breakdowns have been costly during recent losses.
New Jersey Devils Looking to Protect Home Ice
The New Jersey Devils come into Thursday’s matchup with a 27-24-2 record and a solid 12-10-2 mark at Prudential Center. New Jersey has quietly played some of its better hockey on home ice, relying on structure and special teams to grind out wins. In their last five games, the Devils have recently beaten Vancouver, Edmonton, and Calgary, including an overtime win against the Flames, while also dropping games to Winnipeg and Seattle. That recent run suggests a team capable of competing with quality opponents, particularly when games stay tight.
Statistically, New Jersey plays a more controlled style than Nashville. The Devils average 2.60 goals per game while allowing 3.08, and they tend to limit opponents’ chances better than their offensive numbers might indicate. New Jersey generates 29.5 shots per game and allows just 27.9, giving them a slight edge in puck possession and territorial play.
Special teams remain a key factor for the Devils. Their power play has been efficient at 22.7 percent, slightly better than Nashville’s, and their penalty kill sits at 79.3 percent. Like the Predators, New Jersey has not allowed a shorthanded goal, which speaks to disciplined puck management on the power play. At home, the Devils often rely on patience and structure, waiting for opponents to make mistakes rather than forcing the pace.
Nashville Predators vs New Jersey Devils PickNashville Predators vs New Jersey Devils Pick New Jersey Devils -142 (Moneyline)
New Jersey’s consistency at home and slightly stronger defensive profile make them the safer side in this matchup. Nashville’s road struggles and tendency to give up high-danger chances late in games are concerning against a Devils team that is comfortable winning close contests. While Nashville’s power play keeps them competitive, New Jersey’s ability to control pace and limit mistakes at home gives them the edge to come away with the win.
Nashville Predators vs New Jersey Devils Total Pick
I’m leaning toward the under here because both teams prefer structured, lower-event hockey when games are competitive. New Jersey’s home games often tighten up in the second and third periods, and Nashville has struggled to generate consistent five-on-five offense on the road. With two penalty kills that have held up reasonably well and neither team pushing tempo unnecessarily, this matchup sets up well for a lower-scoring outcome.
Final Score Prediction: New Jersey Devils 3, Nashville Predators 2
This prediction was written before the completion of game play on Wednesday.
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