Nothing defines the grind of the Metropolitan Division quite like a matchup between the New Jersey Devils and the New York Islanders. It’s gritty. It’s loud. Honestly, it’s often a little ugly, but that is exactly why we love it. If you’ve been following the 2025-26 season, you know that the recent NY Islanders vs NJ Devils games have been anything but predictable.
Most fans look at the history and see two teams that have traded blows for decades. They think they know what to expect. But then you get a game like the one on January 6, 2026. A 9-0 blowout? In the NHL? That just doesn't happen between these two. It felt like a glitch in the simulation, especially with Ilya Sorokin returning from injury to post a 44-save shutout.
The 9-0 Shocker and Why It Changed the Narrative
Let’s talk about that January game at UBS Arena. If you bet on the under, I’m sorry. Anthony Duclair didn't just play well; he decided to dismantle the Devils' defense single-handedly. A hat trick and a career-high five points? That's the stuff of video games.
New Jersey was coming in looking like a legitimate threat in the Metro, but they looked lost. They put up 44 shots—which usually wins you a game—but Sorokin was a brick wall. It was his first game back from a lower-body injury, and he looked like he hadn't missed a beat.
The Islanders' depth showed up in a way we haven't seen all season. Casey Cizikas grabbed two goals. Even Tony DeAngelo got in on the action. For the Devils, it was a wake-up call. You can't just rely on Jack Hughes and Nico Hischier to outscore your problems when the other guy's goalie is playing like a Vezina winner.
Breaking Down the 2025-26 Season Series
So far, the Isles have had the upper hand in the regular season, but it's been a weird journey.
- November 10, 2025: Islanders took it 3-2 in overtime.
- December 23, 2025: A tight 2-1 Islanders win where Adam Pelech scored the winner late in the third.
- January 6, 2026: The aforementioned 9-0 "Islanders Massacre."
The Devils actually dominated the preseason, winning 6-2 back in September, but that clearly didn't translate when the points started counting. It’s a classic case of regular-season intensity versus exhibition tinkering.
The Modern Rivalry: It’s Not Just About the 80s
People love to bring up the 1980s. They talk about the "Drive for Five" and the Devils' rise as the "Mickey Mouse organization" turned powerhouse. But the NY Islanders vs NJ Devils rivalry today is built on a different kind of tension.
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It’s about the Metropolitan Division standings. As of mid-January 2026, the Islanders are sitting in 2nd place in the division with 55-57 points, chasing the Carolina Hurricanes. The Devils are hovering around the 6th spot with about 50 points. Every time these two meet, it’s a potential four-point swing.
Key Players Holding the Reins
When you watch these teams, the contrast in styles is basically "speed vs. structure."
New Jersey's Engine: Jack Hughes remains the most electric player on the ice. He’s the type of guy who makes you hold your breath every time he crosses the blue line. Combined with Jesper Bratt and Nico Hischier, the Devils have a top-six that can skate circles around most teams.
The Islanders' Identity: It’s all about the system. Bo Horvat has been a rock this year with 33 points. Mathew Barzal is still the creative heartbeat of the team, sitting on 32 points. And we have to mention Matthew Schaefer. The kid has 28 points as a defenseman and is playing with the poise of a ten-year vet.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Matchup
The biggest misconception? That the Islanders are a "boring" defensive team.
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Sure, they play a heavy game, but under Patrick Roy, they’ve found a way to trigger a much more aggressive transition. They don't just sit back in a 1-3-1 trap anymore. On the flip side, people assume the Devils are "soft" because of their skill. That’s a mistake. Timo Meier and Dougie Hamilton bring plenty of size and snarl to the lineup.
Another thing: the home-ice advantage. UBS Arena has become a genuine fortress for the Isles. The atmosphere during the 9-0 win was described by some local reporters as "playoff-level loud." It’s a different vibe than the old Coliseum, but the vitriol for the Devils remains the same.
The Injury Factor
Injuries have played a massive role this season. The Devils have been dealing with Evgenii Dadonov being on IR with a wrist issue. The Islanders just got Sorokin back, which essentially saved their season.
If New Jersey wants to bridge the gap in the standings, they need their goaltending—specifically Jacob Markstrom and Jake Allen—to find some consistency. You can't give up nine goals and expect to be taken seriously as a contender.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Bettors
If you're looking at the next scheduled meeting on February 5 at the Prudential Center, keep a few things in mind.
- Watch the Goalie Matchup: If Sorokin is starting, the "under" is always tempting, despite the recent outlier. He thrives against New Jersey's high-volume shooting.
- Special Teams Matter: New Jersey’s power play is hovering around 20%, while their penalty kill has struggled (around 77%). The Islanders' ability to exploit those PK gaps has been the difference-maker in their one-goal wins.
- Live Betting the Second Period: Both teams have shown a tendency to trade goals in the second frame this season. If the first period is a scoreless deadlock, expect the floodgates to open after the first intermission.
The Metropolitan Division is a meat grinder. There are no easy nights. Whether it's a tight 2-1 defensive battle or a 9-0 blowout that ruins a goalie's GAA, the NY Islanders vs NJ Devils remains one of the most underrated rivalries in hockey.
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To stay ahead of the next puck drop, monitor the daily waiver wire and the morning skate reports. The Devils recently waived Dennis Cholowski, signaling they are looking to shake up their defensive depth. For the Islanders, keeping Bo Horvat healthy is the only thing that matters for their playoff seeding. Pay attention to the line rushes; any shift in Barzal’s wingers usually leads to a scoring surge or a drought.