Adam Williams presents his prediction for the NHL match.
The New York Islanders are still trying to stay in the hunt for at least a wild-card spot, while the New Jersey Devils have long been among the conference leaders. The game is in Newark. Is the outcome a formality?
New Jersey Devils
Not exactly. This is viewed as a highly competitive matchup, where the New York Islanders have a very real chance against the Devils. Why the hesitation over the Devils? Their eight‑game winning streak was in October, and in November they played four games and won only one in regulation (4:1 away to the Los Angeles Kings). This fixture closes a short home stretch, and in the first two, they had to pull out victories in overtime.
New York Islanders
We should note that the New Jersey Devils had to battle past two other Eastern Conference leaders, the Montreal Canadiens (4:3 OT) and the Pittsburgh Penguins (2:1 SO). The New York Islanders won the New York derby against the New York Rangers (5:0), which is not shocking given the Rangers’ ongoing home struggles – seven straight without a win from the start. Overall, they have been decent on the road (3-3-1) but are vulnerable even on Long Island (4-3-1). Hence their 11th place in the conference.
New Jersey Devils vs New York Islanders Prediction
They met three times last season, and the New Jersey Devils did not beat the New York Islanders in regulation. The last time in Newark, they even lost (0:1). Given the recent form and head-to-head record, backing the visitors with a handicap is the value.
