New Jersey Devils vs. New York Islanders Pick and Prediction for Tuesday, January 6, 2026 The New Jersey Devils are heading to Elmont to face the New York Islanders at UBS Arena. The gam

The New Jersey Devils are heading to Elmont to face the New York Islanders at UBS Arena. The game has a puck drop time of 7:30 PM and will be broadcast on ESPN+ and Hulu. This Metropolitan Division rivalry game features the third meeting of the season between two teams separated by only a few points in the standings. For more great NHL picks, find our free NHL picks.

Devils Look to Even Season Series

The New Jersey Devils enter this matchup with a record of 22-18-2. They have been competitive on the road this season, holding an 11-10-0 record away from the Prudential Center. Most recently, they suffered a 3-1 loss to the division-leading Carolina Hurricanes on January 4, but they have shown resilience in tight games, boasting a 9-3-2 record in one-goal contests this year.

On the stat sheet, New Jersey averages 2.64 goals per game while allowing 2.95. Their special teams have been a point of strength, with the power play converting at 20.8%. Defensively, they allow 28.9 shots on goal per game and maintain a 77.5% penalty kill rate.

In the crease, the Devils have relied on the veteran duo of J. Allen and J. Markstrom. Allen has been the more statistically efficient of the two, posting 11 wins with a 2.55 GAA and a .913 save percentage. Markstrom has contributed 10 wins but has struggled with consistency, carrying a 3.20 GAA and a .888 save percentage into this week.

• Evgenii Dadonov (RW): IR - Est. Return Jan 25

• Zack MacEwen (RW): IR - Est. Return Jan 17

• Johnathan Kovacevic (D): IR - Est. Return Jan 25

• Simon Nemec (D): IR - Est. Return Jan 25

Islanders Aim for Division Dominance at Home

The New York Islanders return to UBS Arena with a 23-15-4 record, sitting in second place in the Metropolitan Division. They are coming off a thrilling 4-3 overtime victory against the Toronto Maple Leafs on January 3. The Islanders have been strong at home this season, posting a 13-8-2 record, and they have already defeated the Devils twice this season (3-2 in overtime and 2-1).

Buffalo’s overall stats show a balanced approach, averaging 2.76 goals for and 2.76 goals against per game. While their power play has struggled at 15.9%, their penalty kill has been reliable at 81.4%. They play a very structured game, allowing exactly 28.0 shots on goal per contest.

The big story for the Islanders is the return of I. Sorokin, who is expected to start after a seven-game absence. Sorokin has been elite when healthy, recording 12 wins with a 2.55 GAA and a .910 save percentage. Backup D. Rittich was excellent in his absence, keeping the team afloat with 11 wins and a 2.48 GAA.

• Matthew Schaefer (D): Day-to-Day (Illness) - Game-time decision

• Bo Horvat (C): OUT - Est. Return Jan 13

• Kyle Palmieri (RW): IR - Out for season

Analysis & Betting Picks

Islanders vs Devils Pick

• Moneyline: New York Islanders (+105)

The Islanders have already won both matchups against New Jersey this season and are getting their franchise goaltender, Ilya Sorokin, back for this contest. While the loss of Bo Horvat is significant, the Islanders have played very well at UBS Arena and have a history of shutting down the Devils' attack. At plus money, the home team provides the best value.

Islanders vs Devils Total Pick

• Total: Under 5.5 (-112)

Both of the previous meetings between these teams this season were low-scoring affairs (3-2 and 2-1). Both teams rank in the bottom half of the league in goals scored but feature top-tier goaltending and disciplined defensive systems. With Sorokin returning and the Devils coming off a low-scoring game against Carolina, expect a tight, playoff-style battle that stays under the total.