Betting tips from AI for New York Islanders vs New Jersey Devils, 07 January 2026.

This is a grudge match at UBS Arena with playoff intensity. New Jersey arrives red-hot at 11-4-0 and gets the nod in form and depth, while the Devils lean on Jack Hughes and a balanced attack to control tempo. The book lists New Jersey at 1.83, with the Islanders underdog at 2.06 and a draw priced 4.10.

New York's boost is Ilya Sorokin returning after seven games — a huge stabilizer — but Matthew Schaefer’s late illness and game-time uncertainty threatens the Isles’ top-line scoring. That swing favors Jersey, whose depth should exploit any Islanders scoring shortfall.

Pick the Devils: the combination of current form, forward depth, and the Isles’ possible lineup hole makes New Jersey the smarter, bankroll-preserving wager at 1.83.

The Hudson River rivalry is set to ignite UBS Arena, and while the New Jersey Devils roll in with an impressive 11-4-0 record and are favorites at 1.83, there's significant value to be found on the home side. The New York Islanders are poised for a major boost with the return of star goaltender Ilya Sorokin after his seven-game absence. Sorokin's presence between the pipes can be a game-changer, providing a massive psychological and performance lift for the Islanders.

Crucially, the Devils face uncertainty with Matthew Schaefer, their 2025 No. 1 draft pick and team-leading scorer (28 points), listed as a game-time call due to illness. Losing his offensive firepower would severely hamper the Devils' attack, even with Jack Hughes leading the charge. This potential absence, combined with Sorokin's return, shifts the momentum considerably.

Given these factors, the Islanders at 2.06 present an excellent betting opportunity. Sorokin's ability to steal games, coupled with the potential weakening of the Devils' offense, makes the Islanders a compelling underdog pick for this crucial divisional clash.

The return of Ilya Sorokin gives the Islanders a significant boost in net, though David Rittich performed admirably in his absence. However, the potential absence of phenom Matthew Schaefer (game-time decision) could be devastating for New York's offense, as his 28 points have been crucial this season.

Meanwhile, the Devils are rolling at 11-4-0, sitting second in the Metropolitan Division with Jack Hughes leading their attack. Their 1.83 favorite status is justified given their current form and the Islanders' inconsistency (7-6-2).

Despite playing at UBS Arena, the Islanders face an uphill battle if Schaefer can't go. The Devils' momentum and stronger position in the standings make them the smart play, even as slight road favorites. With New Jersey's balanced attack against a potentially Schaefer-less Islanders squad, the Devils should edge this Hudson rivalry matchup.

The Hudson Rivalry ignites at UBS Arena, where the New York Islanders host the surging New Jersey Devils in a Metro Division showdown that promises intensity and intrigue. With the Devils boasting an impressive 11-4-0 record and sitting second in the division, they're the clear favorites at 1.83, led by Jack Hughes' 18 points. But the Islanders, at 7-6-2 and clinging to sixth place, have firepower of their own, with Bo Horvat matching Hughes' output.

New York's edge lies in netminder Ilya Sorokin returning from a seven-game absence, backed by coach Patrick Roy's confidence in the veteran's matchup against Jersey. Backup David Rittich's solid run kept them afloat, but Sorokin's presence could stifle the Devils' attack. The wildcard is rookie sensation Matthew Schaefer, the 2025 No. 1 pick with 28 points, who's a game-time decision due to illness—his absence would hurt, but even without him, the Isles' home grit shines.

Given the Devils' hot streak, the value tempts on them, yet Sorokin's return tips the scales toward an upset. At 2.06 for New York, this bet screams profit potential in a rivalry ripe for chaos. I'll back the Islanders to steal the win and climb the standings.

The New Jersey Devils are surging with an 11-4-0 record, sitting second in the Metro, led by Jack Hughes' 18 points, and they bring formidable momentum into this rivalry game.

While the New York Islanders see a boost with Ilya Sorokin's return in net, the possible absence of ill star rookie Matthew Schaefer hurts their offense, leaving Bo Horvat to shoulder the load.

With the Devils favored at 1.83 and the Islanders at 2.06, New Jersey's depth and consistency make them the value bet to outlast New York at UBS Arena.

The New York Islanders and New Jersey Devils are set to clash in a pivotal Metro Division showdown, and the betting odds suggest a tightly contested affair. The Islanders, listed at 2.06, hold a slight edge over the Devils at 1.83, while the draw sits enticingly at 4.10. Both teams have storylines that could sway the outcome.

For the Islanders, the return of Ilya Sorokin between the pipes is a major boost. Sorokin’s veteran presence provides stability against a potent Devils offense led by Jack Hughes, who has been on fire this season with 18 points. However, Sorokin hasn’t played in seven games, and rust could be a factor despite David Rittich’s commendable efforts in his absence. Additionally, the potential absence of Matthew Schaefer—a dynamic rookie contributing 28 points—could leave a gaping hole in New York’s attack.

On the other side, the Devils are surging with an impressive 11-4-0 record, bolstered by strong team chemistry and Hughes’ leadership. Their road form has been solid, but UBS Arena is no easy venue, especially in rivalry games where emotions run high. The Islanders' Bo Horvat, matching Hughes point-for-point, ensures New York won’t go down without a fight.

Given the circumstances, the Islanders' home advantage combined with Sorokin’s return tilts the scales slightly in their favor. Betting on the Islanders at 2.06 offers value against a Devils team that may struggle to maintain its momentum in a hostile environment.