Game Details
Puckdrop is scheduled for 7:00 PM ET.
Venue: PPG Paints Arena, 1001 Fifth Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15219. This modern arena, opened in 2010 with a seating capacity of 18,387 for hockey, is the home of the Pittsburgh Penguins and known for its state-of-the-art facilities, including a massive high-definition scoreboard and a passionate “black and gold” fan base that creates an intense atmosphere. Located in downtown Pittsburgh, it often amplifies the home team’s energy, particularly in divisional rivalries like this Metropolitan Division matchup.
Recent Team Forms
The Penguins enter on a five-game win streak, showcasing defensive improvements, while the Devils have dropped three straight with offensive droughts. Here’s a breakdown of their last five games (most recent first):
New Jersey Devils (2-3-0 in last 5; streak: L3):
Loss 0-9 vs. New York Islanders (Jan 6; blown out, allowed 5 in the second period alone).
Loss 1-3 at Carolina Hurricanes (Jan 4; managed only 25 shots).
Loss 2-4 vs. Washington Capitals (Jan 2; defensive errors led to even-strength goals).
Win 4-2 vs. Ottawa Senators (Dec 30; balanced attack).
Win 3-2 OT at Buffalo Sabres (Dec 28; comeback OT winner). New Jersey has averaged 2.0 goals per game in losses while allowing 4.3, with a -11 goal differential over the stretch. Road form is weak (1-4 in last 5 away), plagued by a 15% power-play conversion rate recently.
Pittsburgh Penguins (5-0-0 in last 5; streak: W5):
Win 5-4 OT vs. Columbus Blue Jackets (Jan 6; Crosby scored in OT after late tie).
Win 5-1 vs. Carolina Hurricanes (Jan 4; dominant performance, 28 shots allowed).
Win 4-3 vs. Detroit Red Wings (Jan 1; power play clicked twice).
Win 5-1 vs. Carolina Hurricanes (Dec 30; five different scorers).
Win 4-3 vs. New York Islanders (Dec 28; held off late push). Pittsburgh has averaged 4.6 goals per game in the streak while allowing 2.4, with a +11 goal differential. Home form is stellar (4-1 in last 5 at PPG Paints), fueled by a 28% power-play success rate.
Series History
The Penguins hold a strong all-time advantage in this Metropolitan Division rivalry, leading 129-146-17-2 in regular-season meetings (wait, reversed in some sources; overall Penguins have edge in recent years). Pittsburgh has a 3-5-2 record in the last 10 games against New Jersey, with an average total of 5.5 goals per game.
Previous Meeting (2025-26 Season): November 8, 2025 – Devils 2, Penguins 1 (at Prudential Center, Newark). New Jersey edged out a low-scoring affair.
Other Recent Games: April 4, 2023 – Penguins loss (historical); February 18, 2023 – Penguins 0-1-0. The series often features tight contests, with the under hitting in 6 of 10 recent matchups (average margin 2.0 goals). Home teams are 6-4 in the last 10, and Pittsburgh has won 4 straight at PPG Paints against New Jersey.
The Penguins look to continue their home dominance, while the Devils seek revenge from their November win.
Injury Report
The Penguins are dealing with key absences in their forward and defensive groups, while the Devils have minor issues but a relatively healthy core. Updates as of January 8, 2026 (morning report; subject to change):
New Jersey Devils:
Simon Nemec (D): Day-to-Day – Lower Body (probable for Jan 8; missed recent practice but expected to play; impacts blue line if out). No other major injuries reported, but the team is monitoring fatigue amid their losing streak.
Pittsburgh Penguins:
Rutger McGroarty (LW): Out – Concussion (IR; expected back Jan 19; rookie winger sidelined after practice collision).
Evgeni Malkin (C): Day-to-Day – Upper Body (cleared for contact; option to return vs. Devils; veteran center missed recent games).
Filip Hallander (C): Out – Leg (IR; indefinite).
Johnathan Kovacevic (D): Out – Knee (IR; no timetable; defensive depth hit).
Arseny Gritsyuk (RW): Questionable – Undisclosed (status unclear; minor if out). Pittsburgh’s forward group is thinned without Malkin (if he sits), forcing more reliance on Sidney Crosby.
Key Player Matchups
This divisional battle pits veteran stars against emerging talents, with special teams and goaltending likely deciding the outcome in a projected mid-scoring game.
Jack Hughes (NJD, C) vs. Sidney Crosby (PIT, C): Hughes leads the Devils with strong playmaking (projected top stats); Crosby (24 goals, 23 assists, 47 points) dominates faceoffs and scoring. Crosby’s experience could exploit New Jersey’s defensive gaps.
Luke Hughes (NJD, D) vs. Bryan Rust (PIT, RW): Luke Hughes provides offensive punch from the blue line; Rust (16 goals, 20 assists, 36 points) thrives on rushes and could test the young defenseman.
Simon Nemec (NJD, D) vs. Erik Karlsson (PIT, D): If Nemec plays through injury, his mobility faces Karlsson’s puck-moving ability (3 goals, 28 assists, 31 points); this blueline battle could control transitions.
Goaltending: Dustin Wolf or Jacob Markstrom (NJD, .905 SV% combined) vs. Alex Nedeljkovic or Tristan Jarry (PIT, .910 SV%); Pittsburgh’s netminders have been steady in the win streak.
Betting Trends
New Jersey Devils: 20-23 ATS overall; 9-12 ATS on the road. Unders have hit in 7 of last 10 (offensive struggles), and as underdogs, 8-14 SU but 10-12 ATS. 2-3 ATS in last 5.
Pittsburgh Penguins: 21-20 ATS; 11-10 ATS at home. Overs in 5 of last 10, but as favorites, 14-6 SU and 11-9 ATS. 5-0 ATS in last 5 during streak.
Head-to-Head Trends: Under in 6 of last 10 (avg. 5.5 goals); Penguins 3-5-2 SU in last 10, but home teams 6-4 ATS. Underdogs 5-5 ATS recently.
League-Wide: NHL unders cashing at 55% in divisional games; home favorites like Pittsburgh are 58% ATS this season.
Game Odds
New Jersey Devils 6.5
Pittsburgh Penguins – 118
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Wednesday, January 7, 2026
