New York Islanders vs New Jersey Devils Predictions, Picks and Preview

It’s getting tight in the Metropolitan with seven of the eight teams still having a great chance of clinching one of the division’s three automatic playoff berths. Having a tight playoff race should make for one hell of a game between Metropolitan Division rivals the New York Islanders and New Jersey Devils on Friday night.

New Jersey sit in fifth place in the division and one point back of a Wild Card berth. But they can tie the Islanders for third in the division with a regulation victory Friday. The Islanders won’t back down without a fight though. They’ll be hell bent to get back on the win column after suffering an overtime loss to Washington on Thursday.

The playoff race is also well under way in the NBA. Check out our complete previews for the Warriors vs. Blazers and Raptors vs. Bulls for some pro hoops action.

NHL News and Predictions

New York Islanders vs. New Jersey Devils Preview

Where: Prudential Center, Newark

When: Friday, February 19, 7:00 PM ET

Line: New York Islanders (-115) at New Jersey Devils (-105); total 5.0 – view all NHL lines

Betting on the New York Islanders (30-19-7)

The New York Islanders managed to take a point Thursday night in a 3-2 overtime loss to division leader, Washington. The Isles now have to defend their spot in the Metropolitan with two games in hand against the Devils, the first one coming at New Jersey on Friday.

The Isles will continue to look to captain John Tavares, who scored in the first period Thursday. He now has seven goals and nine assists over his last 11 games. It’s going to take a lot more than Tavares if New York wants to separate their selves from the rest of the pack. They’ll need their other players to step up as they fend off a slew of Metropolitan Division teams.

Kyle Okposo, who’s second on the team with 45 points, is coming in hot with four points in his last five games. He leads the team with 30 assists this season. Okposo will have plenty of weapons at his disposal. Aside from Tavares, Brock Nelson and Frans Nielsen are also solid scorers. Nelson is second on the team with 21 goals this season, while Nielsen has 16.

Nelson scored two points (one goal and one assist) against Detroit on Monday. Nielsen forced overtime against Washington, scoring a goal with 1:44 left in regulation.

Goaltending could win this game for the Islanders. Thomas Greiss was between the pipes Thursday night, stopping 32 of 35 shots. Jaroslav Halak could get the start against the Devils despite a 4.26 GAA, dropping four of his last five starts. He’s been pretty good against the Devils, going 5-0-1 with a 1.29 GAA in his last six starts against them.

Betting on the New Jersey Devils (29-22-7)

The New Jersey Devils were on a three-game win streak. A 6-3 loss to Philadelphia on Tuesday halted their ascent up the Metropolitan Division. They went 1 of 7 on the man advantage after converting 12 of 28 chances over their previous 10 contests. Despite taking the loss, New Jersey has plenty to play for in this game. They can tie the Isles for third in the division with a regulation victory.

If the Devils want to take a victory over the Isles, then it’ll all start with goaltending. Cory Schneider has been solid against New York in his career with a 1.98 GAA in seven career starts. While he allowed five goals against Philadelphia, he did so after posting a 1.56 GAA over his last seven starts. But he could struggle playing at Prudential Center; he has a 2.27 GAA in 24 home games this season compared to a 1.82 GAA in as many road outings.

The Devils will count on a pair of forwards to help their team to a victory. Kyle Palmieri leads the team with 21 goals this season, while Adam Henrique has 19 goals. But Henrique may struggle; he’s tallied just one assist in his last five games against the Islanders.

New Jersey may have an excellent outing if their playmakers can step up. Lee Stempniak leads the team with 25 assists, while Michael Cammalleri is a step behind with 24. If everything falls into place, then the Devils have all the tools to host a scoring party against visiting New York.

The Devils have won five of their last seven at home.