The New Jersey Devils (20-15-1) visit the New York Islanders (19-13-4) in a Metropolitan Division rivalry matchup that’s critical for both teams’ playoff pushes. The Devils, riding a wave of health with Jack Hughes’ return, have won three of their last five and sit tied for a wild-card spot, showcasing improved defensive structure (2.8 GAA over that stretch). The Islanders, however, are reeling from a 1-4 skid in their last five, compounded by key injuries, but their home-ice physicality (22.4 hits per game, 10th in NHL) could spark a rebound. This is the first meeting of the 2025-26 season; the Islanders won the last encounter 5-3 on April 15, 2025 (prior season). Expect a gritty, mid-range scoring affair, with New Jersey’s speed (top-15 in shots at 30.2 per game) testing the Isles’ stout defense (2.6 GAA at home), potentially hinging on special teams—Devils’ power play at 24.2% (8th) vs. Islanders’ penalty kill at 80.4% (16th).
Venue Location
UBS Arena, Elmont, NY. This 17,255-seat venue has been a mixed bag for the Islanders this season (9-6-2 at home), but they’ve held opponents to 2.6 goals per game there, leveraging crowd energy in rivalry games.
Puckdrop is set for 7:00 PM ET. The game will be broadcast on MSGSN2 and MSGSN (local feeds), with streaming options via ESPN+.
Injury Report
The Devils are nearing full health, boosting their lineup, while the Islanders face goaltending uncertainty and forward absences, tilting the edge to New Jersey.
New Jersey Devils:
Out: Simon Nemec (undisclosed – placed on IR on Dec. 16).
Questionable/Probable: No major issues; Jack Hughes returned from an 18-game finger injury on Dec. 21, Brett Pesce activated off LTIR recently.
Notable Notes: Hughes’ return (team-leading points pre-injury) revitalizes the offense; the team is “finally healthy” per reports, with no new setbacks from their Dec. 21 win.
New York Islanders:
Out: Ilya Sorokin (nagging undisclosed issue – out until after holiday break; Marcus Hogberg recalled on emergency conditions), Bo Horvat (undisclosed – practiced non-contact on Dec. 22, status day-to-day but likely out).
Questionable/Probable: No others listed; the team is “short-handed” per previews.
Notable Notes: Sorokin’s absence (small nagging issue) forces Hogberg or Semyon Varlamov into net; Horvat’s potential return (missed four games) is key for center depth, but non-contact practice suggests caution.
Player Matchups
With Hughes back for the Devils and the Islanders potentially without Horvat and Sorokin, New Jersey’s speed could overwhelm New York’s depleted lineup. Key battles focus on star centers and goaltending.
Jack Hughes (NJD) vs. Mathew Barzal (NYI): The marquee matchup pits Hughes (recent return, explosive speed with 15 points pre-injury) against Barzal (18 goals, 25 assists, top-15 scorer). Hughes’ playmaking exploits the Isles’ 20th-ranked opponent shots allowed (30.4 per game), while Barzal’s agility tests New Jersey’s perimeter defense.
Dougie Hamilton (NJD) vs. Noah Dobson (NYI): Defensemen clash with Hamilton (5 goals, 20 assists) facing Dobson (4 goals, 22 assists). Hamilton’s offensive rushes challenge Ottawa’s transition, but Dobson’s blocking (80 blocks) could contain.
Jesper Bratt (NJD) vs. Brock Nelson (NYI): Wingers duel with Bratt (16 goals) vs. Nelson (15 goals). Bratt’s recent multi-point games exploit the Isles’ injury-hit depth, while Nelson’s net-front presence tests New Jersey’s interior D.
Other Key Battles: Timo Meier (NJD, power forward) vs. Anders Lee (NYI, physical captain); Jacob Markstrom (NJD, .915 SV%) vs. Semyon Varlamov (NYI, if starting due to Sorokin out)—Markstrom’s size vs. Varlamov’s experience.
Recent Team Forms
Both teams have mixed results, but the Devils’ health boost contrasts with the Islanders’ slump.
New Jersey Devils (Last 5 Games):
| Date | Opponent | Result |
| Dec 21 | vs. Utah | W 2-1 |
| Dec 19 | vs. Carolina | L (part of 3-2-0 stretch) |
| Dec 14 | at Buffalo | W |
| Dec 13 | vs. Ottawa | W |
| Dec 10 | at Columbus | L |
Form: 3-2-0 in last 5, averaging 3.0 GPG while allowing 2.6. Hughes’ return sparked a win over Utah, with strong goaltending from Markstrom (28 saves).
New York Islanders (Last 5 Games):
| Date | Opponent | Result |
| Dec 20 | vs. Buffalo | L 2-3 (SO) |
| Dec 19 | at Vancouver | L |
| Dec 7 | vs. Winnipeg | L 2-5 |
| Dec 9 | vs. Edmonton | W 4-2 |
| Dec 11 | vs. Anaheim | L 3-4 |
Form: 1-4-0 in last 5, averaging 2.6 GPG while allowing 3.8. The Buffalo shootout loss extended their skid, with defensive breakdowns despite Varlamov’s efforts.
Series History
The Islanders hold a historical edge: 133-99-22-17 all-time vs. the Devils (57.3% win rate for NYI). Recently, New Jersey is 4-4-2 in the last 10 meetings, with the Islanders winning the most recent 5-3 on April 15, 2025. At UBS Arena, the Isles are 4-2 vs. New Jersey since 2021. Games average 5.8 total goals in the last 10.
Betting Trends
Over is 3-2 in Devils’ last 5; under is 4-1 in Islanders’ last 5 home games. Devils 8-10-0 without Hughes but 3-2 since return; Islanders 1-2-1 without Horvat. Devils 4-1 ATS in last 5 as favorites; Islanders 2-3 ATS in last 5 home games.
Game Odds
New Jersey Devils – 130
New York Islanders 5.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Monday, December 22, 2025
