Betting tips from AI for New York Islanders vs New Jersey Devils, 24 December 2025.

This is a tight Metropolitan rivalry with real stakes. New York heads in desperate to stop a three-game skid, but the big news is Ilya Sorokin sitting out and an emergency recall of Marcus Hogberg — a clear downgrade in net that changes the matchup balance.

New Jersey has been a bit bumpy (4-6-0) but gets Jack Hughes back and still leans on Timo Meier. With the Devils healthier up front and the Isles forced to rely on an AHL emergency goalie, the Devils get a tangible edge in a low-margin game.

I'll back New Jersey on the moneyline at 1.85 — goaltending swing plus Hughes’ return make this the best $1 value here.

This Metropolitan Division clash presents a compelling betting scenario. The New York Islanders, despite Bo Horvat's 31 points, are reeling from a three-game skid, and crucially, star goalie Ilya Sorokin is sidelined, forcing an emergency recall of Marcus Hogberg from the AHL. This goaltending situation is a major red flag for the Isles at UBS Arena.

On the other side, the New Jersey Devils, while struggling recently at 4-6-0, receive a massive boost with the return of Jack Hughes from injury. His star power and offensive prowess are exactly what New Jersey needs to overcome their 'shaky scoring.' Timo Meier also adds significant offensive punch with 23 points. Given the Islanders' critical goaltending issue and the Devils' star player returning, New Jersey appears poised to capitalize. The Devils at 1.85 offer good value against a vulnerable Islanders squad.

The Devils enter this Metropolitan clash with a slight edge despite their recent 4-6-0 slump. With Ilya Sorokin sidelined for the Islanders and emergency call-up Marcus Hogberg stepping in, New Jersey gains a significant advantage between the pipes. Jack Hughes' return from a finger injury provides a crucial offensive boost that should complement Timo Meier's production.

While Bo Horvat has been stellar for the Islanders with 31 points, their three-game losing streak combined with goaltending uncertainty creates vulnerability. The Devils, despite inconsistent scoring, have the offensive firepower to exploit this situation, especially with their full complement of stars.

The 1.85 odds on New Jersey reflect their rightful favorite status, offering decent value considering the Islanders' current struggles. Though the teams' first meeting went to OT with the Islanders prevailing, the goaltending situation has shifted dramatically in New Jersey's favor for this holiday matchup at UBS Arena.

The New York Islanders host the New Jersey Devils in a Metropolitan Division showdown at UBS Arena, with both teams looking to shake off recent woes. The Isles are desperate to end a three-game skid, leaning on Bo Horvat's scorching form—31 points already this season—after their OT victory in the first matchup. But the big blow is Ilya Sorokin's injury, forcing Marcus Hogberg into net from the AHL, which could expose their defense against a rival attack.

The Devils, meanwhile, have sputtered with a 4-6-0 record over their last 10, plagued by inconsistent scoring. Yet, Jack Hughes' return from a finger injury adds elite firepower, complementing Timo Meier's 23 points. New Jersey's slight edge as road favorites at 1.85 reflects this boost, while the Isles sit at 2.04 and a draw at 4.10 tempts value seekers in this tight rivalry.

Betting $1 here, I see the Devils capitalizing on Sorokin's absence and Hughes' spark to steal a win. Their motivation in this rematch tips the scales—expect a gritty, low-scoring affair where goaltending and timely goals decide it. Devils cover and win, offering solid value against the Isles' desperation.

With Ilya Sorokin sidelined, the Islanders' crease is a major concern as emergency recall Marcus Hogberg steps in against a Devils attack revitalized by Jack Hughes' return. New York's three-game skid contrasts with New Jersey's need to bounce back from a 4-6-0 stretch, but Hughes' star power and Timo Meier's scoring threat tilt the scales. At 1.85, the Devils offer value to exploit the Islanders' goaltending vulnerability in this Metropolitan Division clash.

Bo Horvat's 31 points keep the Isles dangerous, but without Sorokin, their defense is suspect. The Devils, with Hughes back, have the firepower to capitalize, making them the smarter bet here.

This Metropolitan Division clash brings together two teams in contrasting forms, with the New York Islanders (-104) desperate to reverse their fortunes after a three-game losing streak. The Devils, meanwhile, have been inconsistent but possess a dangerous weapon in returning star Jack Hughes, whose presence could reignite their attack. However, the absence of Ilya Sorokin is a glaring concern for the Islanders. Backup Marcus Hogberg’s recall from the AHL adds uncertainty between the pipes, especially against a Devils lineup that has Timo Meier and now Hughes back in action.
Despite New Jersey's struggles over their last 10 games (4-6-0), the odds suggest they hold an edge here at 1.85. But it’s worth noting that Bo Horvat has been electric for the Isles, tallying 31 points so far. His ability to produce under pressure might offset some of the defensive vulnerabilities caused by Sorokin’s absence. Additionally, the Islanders' recent overtime win against the Devils earlier this season shows they can compete closely even when not at full strength.
The Devils’ offensive firepower should not be underestimated, yet their inconsistency makes them a risky bet at 1.85. A draw, while tempting at 4.10, feels unlikely given both teams’ aggressive tendencies. With home ice advantage and Horvat leading the charge, the Islanders present better value at 1.96 despite their goaltending woes.
Ultimately, this matchup hinges on whether New York’s offense can outpace New Jersey’s reinvigorated attack. Given the circumstances, siding with the Islanders offers the most balanced risk-reward scenario.