The New York Islanders head to Newark for a Metropolitan Division rivalry clash against the New Jersey Devils, with both teams battling for playoff security. The Islanders, third in the division, have relied on stout goaltending from Ilya Sorokin and a gritty defensive style to stay competitive, but offensive inconsistencies have been a concern. The Devils, sitting fifth and on the bubble, feature dynamic young talent like Jack Hughes but have struggled with defensive depth and goaltending stability amid injuries. This game could hinge on special teams, where New York’s penalty kill ranks top-five league-wide (86.2%), potentially neutralizing New Jersey’s potent power play (24.1%, eighth in NHL). Expect a physical, low-scoring affair given both teams’ recent under trends at home/road.
Venue Location
Prudential Center, Newark, New Jersey.
Puc drop is scheduled for 7:00 PM ET (4:00 PM PT).
Injury Report
The Islanders are dealing with forward depth issues, while the Devils manage blue-line absences that could expose their goaltending. Recent updates show both teams relatively healthy in their cores, but load management for veterans is possible.
New York Islanders:
Out: Anders Lee (F, upper body – week-to-week), Adam Pelech (D, concussion protocol).
Questionable/Day-to-Day: Mathew Barzal (F, lower body – game-time decision).
New Jersey Devils:
Out: Dougie Hamilton (D, shoulder – long-term IR), Curtis Lazar (F, knee).
Questionable/Day-to-Day: None reported.
Key Player Matchups
Injuries could shift lines, but expect New York’s checking unit to target New Jersey’s speed. Projected goalies: Sorokin (NYI, .918 SV%) vs. Markstrom (NJD, .905 SV%). Top lines: Islanders’ Barzal centering Nelson and Horvat vs. Devils’ Hughes with Bratt and Meier.
Mathew Barzal (NYI, C) vs. Jack Hughes (NJD, C): Barzal (0.92 PPG, elite speed) drives transitions; Hughes (1.12 PPG, 32 goals) counters with playmaking—faceoff wins could dictate possession.
Brock Nelson (NYI, C) vs. Nico Hischier (NJD, C): Nelson (0.85 PPG, strong two-way) provides secondary scoring; Hischier (0.88 PPG, faceoff specialist at 55.2%) anchors defensively.
Ilya Sorokin (NYI, G) vs. Jacob Markstrom (NJD, G): Sorokin excels in high-danger saves; Markstrom has been inconsistent but strong at home (.920 SV%).
Other Notes: Without Hamilton, Devils’ D leans on Luke Hughes vs. Islanders’ forecheck; Barzal’s status could elevate Kyle Palmieri.
Recent Team Forms
New York Islanders (6-4 in last 10 games): Averaging 3.2 GPG while allowing 2.9. They’ve won four of six, including 3-2 over Washington and 4-1 over Ottawa, but dropped OT decisions to Boston and Toronto. Road form: 5-4-1 in last 10 away, with solid goaltending (under in 7/10).
New Jersey Devils (5-5 in last 10 games): Averaging 3.5 GPG while allowing 3.4. Split recent games with wins over Carolina (4-3) and Florida (5-4 SO), but losses to Tampa Bay and Vegas. Home form: 6-4 in last 10 at Prudential, outscoring foes 35-32.
Series History
The Islanders lead the all-time series 138-120-19, but New Jersey has won five of the last eight, including a 5-3 victory on December 2, 2025. In Newark, Devils are 62-58-9 vs. Islanders. Recent games average 6.8 total goals, with over hitting in six of last nine. Islanders covered as +1.5 underdogs in their last road win here.
Betting Trends
Spread (ATS): Devils 27-29 ATS overall, 14-14 at home; Islanders 28-29 ATS, 15-13 on road, 6-3 as underdogs of +110 or more. Over/Under: Over has hit in 7 of Islanders’ last 10 (70%) and 6 of Devils’ last 10 (60%), with combined averages at 6.6 GPG recently.
Game Odds
New York Islanders 5.5
New Jersey Devils – 115
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Wednesday, February 4, 2026
