The Winnipeg Jets (20-24-7) travel to face the New Jersey Devils (27-23-2) in an inter-conference matchup as both teams look to build momentum in the second half of the 2025-26 NHL season. The Jets are struggling in the Central Division, sitting seventh with 47 points, while the Devils hold sixth in the Metropolitan with 56 points. This game pits a Jets squad dealing with defensive injuries against a Devils team that’s been inconsistent but strong at home. Expect a competitive affair with potential for high-scoring action given recent trends.
Venue Location
The game will be held at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. This 16,514-capacity arena has been the Devils’ home since 2007 and is known for its passionate fanbase and modern amenities.
Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 PM EST (4:00 PM PST).
Recent Team Forms
The Jets have shown signs of improvement lately but remain plagued by inconsistency, particularly on the road. Over their last 10 games, they’ve gone 5-3-2 with a +4 goal differential, including wins against tough opponents like the Oilers but a recent 1-5 loss to Detroit highlighting defensive lapses.
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Winnipeg’s offense has averaged 3.1 goals per game in this stretch, but their goaltending has been shaky, allowing 2.9 goals against.
The Devils have been middling, posting a 5-5-0 record in their last 10 games.
They’ve alternated wins and losses, with a strong 5-4 victory over Vancouver in their most recent outing showcasing their resilience.
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New Jersey’s home form is a bright spot (15-10-1 at Prudential Center), and they’ve averaged 3.4 goals per game lately while conceding 3.2, pointing to high-event games.
| Team | Last 10 Record | Goals For (Avg) | Goals Against (Avg) | Streak |
| Winnipeg Jets | 5-3-2 | 3.1 | 2.9 | L1 |
| New Jersey Devils | 5-5-0 | 3.4 | 3.2 | W1 |
Injury Report
Both teams are dealing with key absences, particularly on defense, which could lead to more open play.
Winnipeg Jets:
Neal Pionk (D, lower body): Week-to-week, placed on IR retroactive to mid-January. Expected to miss this game, a big blow to the blue line.
Colin Miller (D, knee): On IR, expected to be out until at least late January.
Haydn Fleury (D, broken nose/bruised back): Recently returned after a scary injury in early January but may still be limited.
Overall: Three players listed, thinning the defense and forcing recalls like Elias Salomonsson.
New Jersey Devils:
Luke Hughes (D): Out with an undisclosed injury since January 21.
Stefan Noesen (F, knee): Out following surgery, absent from practice in early January.
Jack Hughes (F, shoulder): On long-term IR, not expected back until March 3. A massive loss for offensive creativity.
Marc McLaughlin (C): Day-to-day after January 25 issue.
Overall: Multiple forwards and defensemen out, impacting depth but the core remains intact.
Key
Player Matchups
This game features intriguing battles, especially with injuries forcing lineup adjustments.
Kyle Connor (Jets F) vs. Dougie Hamilton (Devils D): Connor, with 25 goals this season, thrives on speed and sniping. Hamilton, a puck-moving defenseman, will need to contain him on rushes, but Devils’ blue-line injuries could expose gaps.
Mark Scheifele (Jets C) vs. Nico Hischier (Devils C): A center showdown. Scheifele (18 goals, 40 points) is Winnipeg’s playmaker, while Hischier (20 goals, strong two-way play) anchors New Jersey’s top line. Faceoff wins (Hischier at 54%) could dictate possession.
Nikolaj Ehlers (Jets F) vs. Jesper Bratt (Devils F): Wingers known for creativity. Ehlers’ speed vs. Bratt’s elusiveness could produce highlight-reel moments, especially on power plays.
Goaltending: Connor Hellebuyck (Jets) vs. Jacob Markstrom (Devils): Hellebuyck (.910 SV%) has been steady but overworked due to defensive issues. Markstrom (.915 SV%) benefits from home ice but faces pressure without full defensive support.
Key X-Factor: Timo Meier (Devils F) could exploit Jets’ weakened D with his physicality and shooting (22 goals).
Series History
The Devils hold a slight historical edge in 74 meetings: 35-31-3-5 (49.3% win rate for New Jersey). However, Winnipeg has won the last three encounters, including a 4-2 victory in their most recent matchup last season.
Over the last 10 games, the series is split 5-5, with an average of 5.8 total goals, trending toward overs.
At Prudential Center, Devils are 18-17-2-3 against the Jets.
| Last 5 Head-to-Head Games | Date | Result | Total Goals |
| Jets @ Devils | 03/15/2025 | Jets 4-2 | 6 |
| Devils @ Jets | 11/20/2024 | Jets 3-1 | 4 |
| Jets @ Devils | 02/28/2024 | Jets 5-3 | 8 |
| Devils @ Jets | 12/05/2023 | Devils 4-2 | 6 |
| Jets @ Devils | 03/10/2023 | Devils 3-2 (OT) | 5 |
Betting Trends
Moneyline: New Jersey has won 60% of home games as favorites this season.
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Puck Line: Devils -1.5 (+200), Jets +1.5 (-240). Winnipeg is 13-14 ATS on the road; Devils 15-11 ATS at home.
Over/Under: 5.5 (Over -110, Under -110). The over has hit in 6 of the last 10 head-to-heads and 7 of Devils’ last 10 home games.
Trends: Jets are 2-3 in last 5 road games; Devils 2-3 in last 5 overall but 3-2 ATS.
Game Odds
Winnipeg Jets 5.5
New Jersey Devils – 125
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Monday, January 26, 2026
