The New York Islanders are set to take on the New Jersey Devils Thursday evening at 7 p.m. EST in what promises to be an intense Metropolitan Division contest. With playoff positioning on the line, the Islanders will seek to follow up their recent overtime victory and secure a second consecutive win in this New Jersey Devils game.
Recent Performance and Standings Overview
The Islanders enter this matchup with a 31-21-5 record, holding third place in the Metropolitan Division. Their latest game was a hard-fought 5-4 overtime win against the Pittsburgh Penguins at home, marked by fluctuating momentum and key contributions from Bo Horvat, who scored two goals and added an assist. Despite being outshot 35-23 and trailing in hits 25-22, New York capitalized on Pittsburgh’s giveaways and won 52 seconds into overtime. Their faceoff success (31-25) and a flawless penalty kill performance added to their edge.
Meanwhile, the Devils hold a 28-26-2 record, positioned seventh in the same division. They come off a tough 3-0 home defeat to the Columbus Blue Jackets, all three goals conceded in the final period. New Jersey was narrowly outshot 25-24 and edged in faceoffs 28-24. Their power play struggled, going 0-for-3, though their penalty kill remained solid at 2-for-2. The Devils’ lack of puck possession and a general downturn among key players — indicated by negative plus/minus ratings — have contributed to difficulties on offense.
Matchup Odds and Betting Outlook
According to the February 5, 2026 betting lines, the Islanders are favored with a +1.5 spread at -213 odds, while the Devils are the underdog at -1.5 with +178 odds. Moneyline odds stand close, with the Islanders slightly favored at -104 and the Devils at +100. The total goals line is set at 5.5, with over at +100 and under slightly favored at -104.
Statistical Trends Highlight Team Form
- The Islanders have won four of their last six games outright (SU) and have an impressive 6-1 SU record in the past seven matchups against New Jersey.
- In away games, the Islanders’ last five match totals have mostly gone under, with four being under 5.5 goals.
- The Devils are struggling recently, losing four of their last five games SU, with seven out of their last 10 games under the total line, including six of seven home games.
Current Player Availability and Injuries
Both teams are missing key personnel due to injuries and absences. The Islanders have Calum Ritchie sidelined, along with goalie Semyon Varlamov and forwards Kyle Palmieri, Alexander Romanov, and Pierre Engvall on injured reserve. The Devils are without center Jack Hughes, along with Stefan Noesen, Marc McLaughlin, Luke Hughes, and Zack MacEwen, all on injured reserve as well.
Team Offense and Defense Analysis
New York ranks 25th in scoring but is stronger defensively, sitting fifth in goals against. Their power play struggles, ranked tied for 26th, contrast with a solid eighth-ranked penalty kill. Bo Horvat is their leading goal scorer and has been a standout since returning from injury. Rookie defenseman Matthew Schaefer has also emerged as an important contributor. However, the Islanders’ defense has shown vulnerabilities recently, surrendering at least four goals in each of their past three games.
The Devils rank last in scoring but sit mid-pack defensively, 16th in goals against. Their special teams are average, placing 15th on the power play and 19th on the penalty kill. Jesper Bratt leads New Jersey with the most assists. Their home record is balanced, and recent form shows a 5-5 split in their last 10 games. However, offensive struggles have resulted in only one goal scored during their last two outings. Despite missing key players, their penalty kill has performed well, which could be crucial as they seek a rebound before the upcoming Olympic break.
Projected Game Outcome and Implications
The Islanders will enter the game with an emphasis on tightening defensive play after allowing multiple goals in recent games. Conversely, the Devils are under pressure to snap a two-game losing streak marked by significant scoring droughts. New Jersey’s offense may find opportunities against a New York defense that appears to be faltering. A victory in this match would boost morale for the Devils heading into the Olympic hiatus, while the Islanders aim to solidify their position in the division standings.
