NHL Game Preview: New Jersey Devils (25-22-2) vs. Edmonton Oilers (25-17-8)

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The New Jersey Devils (25-22-2) face the Edmonton Oilers (25-17-8) in a cross-conference clash on the second night of a back-to-back for the Devils. New Jersey secured a 2-1 overtime win in Calgary but lost star defenseman Luke Hughes to injury, while Edmonton is riding a two-game win streak with shutout victories, showcasing defensive dominance. This matchup pits the Devils’ potent power play (top-10 in efficiency) against the Oilers’ elite scoring, but injuries to key players on both sides could lead to a cautious, low-event game. Expect a focus on goaltending and special teams in a potentially tight affair.

Game Details

Puckdrop is scheduled for 10:00 p.m. ET (7:00 p.m. PT)

Venue: Rogers Place, Edmonton, AB

TV Broadcast: TNT, truTV, HBO Max, SNW, TVAS

How to Watch: NHL Network (streaming available via ESPN+)

Recent Team Forms

The Devils are 3-2 in their last five, alternating wins with defensive lapses but showing resilience in overtime. The Oilers are 4-1 in their last five, with dominant shutouts highlighting improved defense.

New Jersey Devils Last 5 Games:

DateOpponentResultScore
Jan 19@ Calgary FlamesW (OT)2-1
Jan 17vs. Carolina HurricanesL1-4
Jan 14vs. Seattle KrakenW (OT)3-2
Jan 12@ Minnesota WildW5-2
Jan 11@ Winnipeg JetsL3-4

Edmonton Oilers Last 5 Games:

DateOpponentResultScore
Jan 18vs. St. Louis BluesW5-0
Jan 17@ Vancouver CanucksW6-0
Jan 15vs. New York IslandersL0-1
Jan 13@ Chicago BlackhawksW4-3 (OT)
Jan 12vs. Winnipeg JetsW4-1

Injury Report

Both teams are dealing with significant absences, impacting defense and scoring. New Jersey’s blue line takes a hit with Hughes out, while Edmonton’s forward group is depleted without Draisaitl and Henrique.

New Jersey Devils: Luke Hughes (D) – Out (Shoulder dislocation; misses rest of road trip, further evaluation needed)

Stefan Noesen (RW) – Out (Knee). Zack MacEwen (RW) – Out For Season (ACL). Marc McLaughlin (C) – Out (Undisclosed)

Edmonton Oilers: Leon Draisaitl (C) – Out (Personal; expected return Jan 24)

Adam Henrique (C) – IR-LT (Undisclosed; expected return Feb 25)

Kasperi Kapanen (RW) – Out/Day-To-Day (Undisclosed; expected return Jan 24)

Key Player Matchups

With Draisaitl sidelined, the focus shifts to McDavid carrying Edmonton’s offense against New Jersey’s depleted blue line. The Devils’ power play (23.5% efficiency) could exploit the Oilers’ average penalty kill, but Edmonton’s speed (top-5 in transition scoring) tests New Jersey’s road defense (3.25 GAA away).

Jack Hughes (Devils) vs. Connor McDavid (Oilers): Hughes (28.4 PPG, elite playmaker) leads New Jersey’s attack with vision and speed. McDavid (32.6 PPG, league-leading points) dominates transitions; this superstar clash could decide high-danger chances.

Jesper Bratt (Devils) vs. Evan Bouchard (Oilers): Bratt (consistent winger, 25+ goals) exploits mismatches. Bouchard (offensive D, strong PP quarterback) contains perimeter threats; expect a battle on the rush.

Dougie Hamilton (Devils) vs. Zach Hyman (Oilers): Hamilton anchors the blue line post-Hughes injury. Hyman (net-front specialist, recent multi-goal games) thrives inside; defensive zone coverage will be crucial.

Goaltending: Jacob Markstrom (Devils) vs. Stuart Skinner (Oilers): Markstrom (.905 SV%) is steady but faces Edmonton’s volume (32 SOG/GP). Skinner (.912 SV%) excels at home; his rebound control vs. New Jersey’s shots (28.5 SOG/GP) is key.

Edmonton ranks 6th in goals per game (3.45) but average defensively; New Jersey is 12th offensively but 18th in GAA.

Series History

The Oilers lead the all-time series 44-40-9-2 in 95 regular-season meetings

New Jersey has won the last three encounters, holding a 6-4-0 record in the past 10

Nov 4, 2024: Devils 3-0 vs. Oilers

Oct 10, 2024: Devils 3-1 @ Oilers

Nov 21, 2023: Devils 6-3 vs. Oilers

Average margin in New Jersey’s last three wins: +3.3 goals

Betting Trends

Spread: Devils are 24-25 ATS overall (49%) but 12-11 ATS on road as underdogs. Oilers are 26-24 ATS but 15-10 ATS at home as favorites. Over/Under: 6.5 (-110 to +105 over)

Teams combine for 6.4 PPG. Devils games hit over 52% (25/48); Oilers 48% (23/50). Over in 5 of last 7 head-to-head Other Trends: Devils 6-4 SU in last 10 vs. Oilers; 3-2 SU in last 5. Oilers 5-1-2 in last 8 overall; 53.7% win rate as favorites

bleachernation.com

. Devils cover 55% as road underdogs.

Game Odds

New Jersey Devils            6.5

Edmonton Oilers              – 162

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Monday, January 19, 2026

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