The New York Islanders, with a record of 31-21-5 in the Metropolitan Division, are set to face the New Jersey Devils, who hold a 28-26-2 record in the same division. The game will take place in Newark, New Jersey, on Thursday at 7 p.m. ET. Previously, the Islanders secured a thrilling 5-4 overtime win against the Pittsburgh Penguins, highlighted by Bo Horvat’s two goals.
The Devils have struggled within their division, posting a 4-10-2 record against other Metropolitan teams, and their overall season record is 28-26-2. They’ve scored 142 goals but have been outscored overall, with 172 goals against, resulting in a -30 goal differential. The Islanders, meanwhile, have performed better against divisional foes with an 11-6-2 record and an overall record of 31-21-5. They excel in one-goal games, holding a 15-5-0 record.
This matchup marks the fourth time these teams will meet this season, with the Islanders having won the previous encounter with a commanding 9-0 victory, led by Anthony Duclair’s three goals.
Key players for the Devils include Jesper Bratt, who has amassed 13 goals and 28 assists this season, and Jack Hughes, who has contributed a goal and seven assists over his last 10 games. For the Islanders, Horvat has scored 23 goals and assisted 15 times, while Jean-Gabriel Pageau has five goals and two assists recently.
Over their last 10 games, the Devils have a balanced record of 5-5-0, averaging 2.2 goals and 3.9 assists per game, while allowing an average of 2.6 goals. The Islanders show a similar 5-5-0 streak, with slightly higher scoring averages at 2.7 goals and 4.9 assists, and they allow about 2.8 goals per game.
There are no injury reports listed for either team at this time.
Fan Take: This upcoming game is pivotal as it could influence playoff positioning in the Metropolitan Division. For hockey fans, it’s a chance to see rising stars and established veterans battle it out in what promises to be an intense and closely contested contest.
