Devils vs. Islanders Odds
| Devils Odds | +140 |
| Islanders Odds | -160 |
| Over/Under | 5.5 |
| Time | 7:30 p.m. ET |
| TV | ESPN+, Hulu |
| Odds via DraftKings. Get up-to-the-minute NHL Odds here. | |
The New Jersey Devils will make their first trip to UBS Arena to face the rival New York Islanders on Saturday night.
New Jersey has lost seven of its past nine, most recently a 3-2 loss to the Nashville Predators at home on Friday. The Devils have only defeated the dreadful Philadelphia Flyers and have been outscored 31-24 in that span.
The Islanders haven't yet won at their new arena in seven home games thus far and enter play Saturday, losers of 12 of their past 13 games. New York does have points in four of its past five.
Devils Still In Playoff Hunt Despite Slump
The Devils have slumped for the past month though still are just four points out of the second Eastern Conference wild-card spot. New Jersey beat the Islanders 4-0 on November 11 yet is 3-7-3 in 13 games since.
The Devils have scored the seventh-fewest goals in the Eastern Conference, largely due to bad luck and their moribund power play. New Jersey ranks 13th in the league in 5-on-5 expected goals percentage (50.5 percent) yet is 19th in 5-on-5 goals percentage (49.0), according to Natural Stat Trick. The Devils have the second-worst power play in the sport (13.2 percent), trailing only the Arizona Coyotes.
Devils starter Mackenzie Blackwood has scuffled this season with minus-3.11 5-on-5 high-danger goals saved above average and minus-2.3 goals-saved above average this season, according to Natural Stat Trick.
However, New Jersey coach Lindy Ruff could elect to give Akira Schmid his first NHL start. Schmid was recalled after backup Jonathan Bernier was placed on injured reserve Friday and has torn up the AHL with an 8-0-2 record, .944 save percentage and 1.60 goals-against average for Utica.
Islanders In Search of Home Win
The Islanders have undoubtedly been the NHL's biggest disappointment this season, with the fewest goals in the Eastern Conference (46) and second-fewest in the NHL. The Islanders offense has been a catastrophe as it ranks tied for fourth-worst in the NHL in shooting percentage (7.5) and dead-last in shooting percentage in home games.
New York faced the unenviable task of 13 straight road games to start the season yet is the only team to not win a home game to date. New York fans are still waiting to celebrate that first home victory at their new home arena, which opened November 20.
Still, the Islanders have dominated the Devils under Barry Trotz regardless of venue. New York has won 11 of its past 15 against New Jersey, including a 5-2 record in games played at home against the Devils.
Devils vs. Islanders Pick
The Islanders' playoff hopes are essentially toast, but they would undoubtedly relish the opportunity to send the rival Devils further down the Metropolitan Division standings. Saturday feels like the night for Islanders fans to celebrate home win No. 1.
Pick: Islanders ML (-160)
