The New Jersey Devils and New York Islanders face off in a Metropolitan Division matchup on Friday night. The Islanders are slight home underdogs on the NHL odds board with the Devils between -120 and -138 as the favorite.
The Devils are 1-1-1 this season while the Islanders are a perfect 2-0-0. This will be the first road game for New Jersey, while New York continues its season-opening homestand.
Who will take home two points in this rivalry matchup? Read on for our New Jersey Devils vs. New York Islanders NHL picks and predictions for October 20.
Devils vs Islanders odds
Devils vs Islanders predictions
The New York Islanders have stuck to their game through two contests this season. They beat the Sabres 3-2 to open the season then held the Coyotes to just 14 shots in a 1-0 shutout win on Tuesday night.
Meanwhile, the New Jersey Devils won their season opener against the Red Wings before dropping two straight games to the Coyotes and Panthers. They’ve scored at least three goals in each game, but the Devils have had trouble stopping the puck.
New Jersey should find more luck in net tonight against an Islanders team that lacks much offensive firepower. Mathew Barzal and Bo Horvat are the stars up front, but their supporting cast isn’t the greatest. It’ll also help that the Isles are one of the most defensive-focused teams in the league.
The Islanders have allowed just 1.99 expected goals per 60 minutes at 5-on-5 this season, per Natural Stat Trick. That’s the best in the league. On the other hand, the Devils have allowed 2.96 xGA/60, the sixth-most in the league.
It should be Ilya Sorokin in net for the Islanders. He’s started both games so far this season and has allowed just two goals on 42 shots. It could be either Vitek Vanecek (1-1-0, .892 SV%, 3.62 GAA) or Akira Schmid (0-0-1, .909 SV%, 2.77 GAA) for the Devils.
This is a game between two teams with contrasting styles, but the Islanders should be able to slow it down enough to keep it Under the total.
My best bet: Under 6 (-110 via BetMGM)
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Covers may receive advertising commissions for visits to a sportsbook or betting site.
Devils vs Islanders same-game parlay
Under 6.5
Kyle Palmieri Over 2.5 Shots on Goal
Jack Hughes Over 3.5 Shots on Goal
The Under 6.5 should be a safe leg to start off our same-game parlay with. There have been a total of six goals in the Islanders’ first two games and they control the pace well at home.
After that, we’re going with a pair of shots on goal props to finish out the parlay.
New York forward Kyle Palmieri has racked up the shots so far this season. He leads all Islanders forwards with 12 shot attempts and is one shot on goal shy of Horvat for the team lead.
Palmieri has gone Over 2.5 shots on goal in each of the first two games with four against the Sabres and three against the Coyotes.
On the other side, it’s the Jack Hughes show for New Jersey. The Devils superstar has a team-high 16 shots on goal (30 shot attempts) through three games. He started the season off with four shots against Detroit before racking up six against both the Coyotes and Panthers.
Teams are going to want to get the puck on net whenever they can in a game like tonight’s, and that should bode well for both Palmieri and Hughes.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
Best NHL bonuses
New Users
Get up to $1,500 bonus bets back if your first bet doesn’t win! Claim Now
New Users
Get up to $1,000 in bonus bets if your first bet doesn't win! Claim Now
Eligible USA locations only. Also, see our full list of best sportsbook promotions for 2023.
21+. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
Devils vs Islanders moneyline and Over/Under analysis
As of Friday morning, the odds for this game are a bit all over the place. If you shop around you’re able to find the Devils as low as -120 (BetMGM) with the Islanders as high as +115 (FanDuel). But the next-best odds for the Islanders are +106 at BetRivers.
The total for this game also varies. It’s at 6 at most books with both the Over and Under paying off -110. However, it’s down to 5.5 at FanDuel, with the Over 5.5 at -134 and Under 5.5 at +110.
The Under 6 at -110 is the best bet, but I would consider the Under 5.5 at +110 if that’s the offering at your book. This could very well be a hard-fought 3-2 victory for either side.
Devils vs Islanders betting trend to know
The Under is 3-0-1 in the Islanders’ last four games. Find more NHL betting trends for Devils vs. Islanders.
Kentucky: Mobile sports betting is live!
Check out the best Kentucky sportsbook promos, with a number of odds boosts and offers available!
Kentucky sports betting launched online wagering on September 28 — review our list of the best Kentucky sports betting apps for making your first online bets in the Bluegrass State!
21+ and present in KY. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
Devils vs Islanders game info
| Location: | UBS Arena, Elmont, NY |
| Date: | Friday, October 20, 2023 |
| Puck drop: | 7:30 p.m. ET |
| TV: | NHL Network |
Devils vs Islanders latest injuries
Stay updated with the latest picks, odds, and news! Tap the 
to add us to your favorites on Google News to never miss a story.
