The Nashville Predators (24-23-5) face the New Jersey Devils (27-24-2) in an interconference matchup where the Predators aim to capitalize on their defensive structure against a Devils team looking to rebound from recent inconsistencies. Nashville has struggled with a 2-3 record in their last five games, allowing 3.4 goals per game, while New Jersey has a 2-3 mark in their last five, with defensive lapses leading to high-scoring losses. This is the first meeting of the season between the teams, with the Predators holding a historical edge but the Devils winning three of the last five head-to-head encounters. Injuries on both sides could lead to a low-event game at Prudential Center, where New Jersey’s home advantage (16-10-2 at home) might prevail, but Nashville’s goaltending could keep it close for a potential upset.
Venue Location
Prudential Center, Newark, New Jersey.
Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET (4:00 p.m. PT).
The game will be broadcast on ESPN+, FanDuel Sports South, and MSG Sportsnet, with radio coverage on SiriusXM.
Recent Team Forms
The Predators rank 20th in goals per game (2.85) and 18th in goals against (3.02), with a power play at 17.8% (22nd) and penalty kill at 78.5% (23rd). The Devils are 15th in goals per game (3.05) and 22nd in goals against (3.15), with a power play at 20.5% (15th) and penalty kill at 80.2% (18th).
Nashville Predators (Last 10 Games: 4-5-1, Avg. 2.8 GPG)
Recent Streak: Lost 2 straight.
Key Results:
Jan. 27 @ BOS: L 0-5 (Shut out; poor shot quality).
Jan. 26 @ TBL: W 3-2 (OT) (Svechkov GWG; strong defense).
Jan. 24 vs. BUF: L 2-4.
Jan. 22 vs. DET: W 3-2.
Jan. 20 @ CBJ: L 3-4.
Strengths: Efficient shooting (10.2% conversion); Saros with .905 SV% in recent starts. Weaknesses: Allowing 3.02 GAA; Struggles in high-event games.
New Jersey Devils (Last 10 Games: 5-4-1, Avg. 3.1 GPG)
Recent Streak: Won 1.
Key Results:
Jan. 27 vs. WPG: L 3-4 (Glass injured; defensive collapse).
Jan. 26 vs. NYR: W 3-2 (Hughes absent; strong PK).
Jan. 24 @ NYI: L 1-4.
Jan. 22 vs. FLA: W 4-3.
Jan. 20 @ OTT: W 5-2.
Strengths: Power play at 20.5%; Hughes (5 G, 21 A) key before injury. Weaknesses: Allowing 3.15 GAA; 12-10-2 at home.
Injury Report
Injuries weaken both rosters, with the Predators missing a key forward and the Devils dealing with significant absences in defense and forward lines.
Nashville Predators:
OUT: Nicolas Hague (D, Lower Body; week-to-week).
DAY-TO-DAY: Fedor Svechkov (C, Upper Body).
New Jersey Devils:
OUT: Zack MacEwen (RW, ACL; out for season).
OUT: Stefan Noesen (RW, Knee; expected return Feb. 3).
OUT: Marc McLaughlin (C, Undisclosed; expected return Feb. 10).
IR-LT: Luke Hughes (D, Shoulder; expected return Mar. 3).
DAY-TO-DAY: Cody Glass (C, Undisclosed).
Key
Player Matchups
Expected starting lineups amid injuries:
Predators Forwards: Filip Forsberg – Ryan O’Reilly – Gustav Nyquist; Steven Stamkos – Colton Sissons – Jonathan Marchessault; Luke Evangelista – Tommy Novak – Cole Smith; Zachary L’Heureux – Michael McCarron – Juuso Parssinen.
Devils Forwards: Timo Meier – Jack Hughes – Jesper Bratt; Ondrej Palat – Nico Hischier – Dawson Mercer; Tomas Tatar – Erik Haula – Stefan Noesen (out; adjustments with Curtis Lazar); Paul Cotter – Curtis Lazar – Nathan Bastian.
Predators Defense: Roman Josi – Dante Fabbro; Brady Skjei – Alexandre Carrier; Jeremy Lauzon – Luke Schenn.
Devils Defense: Brett Pesce – Dougie Hamilton; Jonas Siegenthaler – Johnathan Kovacevic; Brenden Dillon – Luke Hughes (out; adjustments with Simon Nemec).Goalies: Predators – Juuse Saros (40 GP, 20-16-4, 2.85 GAA, .905 SV%); Devils – Jacob Markstrom (35 GP, 18-14-2, 2.75 GAA, .908 SV%).
Key Matchups:
Filip Forsberg vs. Nico Hischier: Forsberg (22 G, 25 A) speed tests Hischier’s two-way play (18 G, 30 A).
Ryan O’Reilly vs. Dougie Hamilton: O’Reilly’s faceoffs (55%) vs. Hamilton’s point shots (10 G, 25 A).
Gustav Nyquist vs. Jonas Siegenthaler: Nyquist (15 G, 30 A) exploits gaps vs. Siegenthaler’s physicality.
Goalie Duel: Saros vs. Markstrom: Saros’ consistency vs. Markstrom’s volume saves.
Series History
All-time: Predators lead 21-15-3 in 39 regular-season games (no playoff meetings).
Recently: Devils 3-2 in last 5 head-to-head; Predators won 6-4 on Jan. 26, 2023; Devils won 4-2 on Feb. 13, 2024; Devils won 5-0 on Feb. 23, 2025; Devils won 5-2 on Nov. 25, 2025; Devils L 2-3 SO on Apr. 7, 2024.
This season: First meeting (0-0).
Betting Trends
ATS Trends: Devils 2-3 in last 5 games; 2-3 ATS in last 5. Predators 2-3 in last 5; 2-3 ATS in last 5. Devils 11-42 as +201 or greater underdog (but here favorite); Over in 5 of Devils’ last 6 as home favorite of -151 to -200; Over in 7 of Predators’ last 10 vs. Metropolitan teams.
Game Odds
Nashville Predators 6.5
New Jersey Devils – 130
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Wednesday, January 28, 2026
