New Jersey Devils vs New York Islanders: Predictions, Odds and Roster Notes

Where: Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Uniondale, NY.

When: Thursday, January 17th, 7PM EST

How (TV/Radio): MSG+ and MSG+ 2 | WFAN

New Jersey Devils (Away)

Head Coach: John Hynes {All-Time 127-125 NJD}

The New Jersey Devils have managed to keep things even at .500 during the absence of injured star Taylor Hall and will hope to bring their high-shooting game (9th in the league) and 2nd-place penalty kill into Uniondale as they face the surging New York Islanders.

Although struggling without leading scorer Hall, the Devils were given a shot in the arm earlier this week with the stellar return of goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood. Blackwood made 32 saves in a victorious 3-2 performance against the Philadelphia Flyers on Saturday. Many have been touting Blackwood as the Devils’ goalie of the future and he is expected to start this game as starting goaltender Corey Schneider remains on the shelf.

New York Islanders (Home)

Head Coach: Barry Trotz {All-Time 25-15 NYI}

The New York Islanders find themselves in a different position than the Devils, as was displayed in their 5-1 victory over the first place Tampa Bay Lightning Sunday. The Islanders have looked brilliant over their last 10 games and the success of their fourth line shows just how deep the skill lies.

Head coach Barry Trotz is no stranger to success. Coming off of a Stanley Cup-winning run with the Washington Capitals, it’s no surprise that he can manage a four-line rotation that never gives an opposing team time to rest.

The Islanders were victorious in their last outing against the Devils, beating them 4-3 in November of last year.

What’s At Stake?

Currently sitting at 17-20-7 in a very competitive division (including the Islanders, the Penguins, and the Capitals), many are starting to write the Devils 2018-19 season off. Even with the high shooting percentage and a 2nd-place penalty kill, the Devils have still struggled with inconsistencies in goaltending, powerplay, and injuries. Although a wildcard spot is still plausible, the Devils already look like an entirely different team from last season.

On the other side of the spectrum, a win for the Islanders will cement two more points and keep them not only in contention for a wildcard spot but for a divisional title.

Questions to answer

Can Islanders’ netminder Robin Lehner keep calm facing 30+ shots?

Can Mackenzie Blackwood keep impressing?

Can the Devils contain four equally strong lines from the Islanders over three periods?

New Jersey Devils Roster Notes

F Taylor Hall – IR (lower-body)

G Corey Schneider – IR (abdominal strain)

F Stefan Noesen – IR (lower-body)

F Joey Anderson – IR (fractured ankle)

New York Islanders Roster Notes

D Thomas Hickey – IR (upper-body)

F Andrew Ladd – IR (right leg)

F Matt Lorito – IR (undisclosed)

New Jersey Devils at New York Islanders Predictions and Odds

New York Islanders are a -160 favourite over the New Jersey Devils.