The Metropolitan Division rivalry heats up this Tuesday as the New Jersey Devils travel to Elmont to face the New York Islanders. With both teams jostling for playoff positioning in the 2025-26 NHL season, this January 6 showdown at UBS Arena promises physical play, speed, and critical points in the standings.
If you are looking for how to watch the New Jersey Devils at New York Islanders, we have all the broadcast details, streaming options, and game previews you need.
Devils vs Islanders TV Schedule and Game Info
- Date: Tuesday, January 6, 2026
- Puck Drop: 7:30 PM EST
- Venue: UBS Arena, Elmont, NY
- TV Channels (USA): MSG Sportsnet (MSGSN) for Devils coverage, MSG for Islanders coverage. National streaming is available on ESPN+.
- TV Channels (Canada): Sportsnet+ (Premium), TVA Sports (French).
- Streaming: ESPN+ (USA), Sportsnet+ (Canada).
Devils vs Islanders Game Overview
This matchup features two teams with playoff aspirations heading in slightly different directions over their last few games. The New York Islanders (23-15-4) are flying high after a thrilling 4-3 overtime victory against the Toronto Maple Leafs. The UBS Arena crowd will be buzzing, hoping to see their team extend their winning streak and climb further up the Metro standings.
On the other side, the New Jersey Devils (22-18-2) are looking to bounce back. Coming off a tough loss to the Carolina Hurricanes on Sunday, New Jersey needs to tighten up defensively. They have struggled recently against Metro opponents, with a 4-6-2 record within the division, and will be desperate to correct that course tonight on the road.
Leading Scorers and Key Matchups
The spotlight will be on the offensive leaders for both squads. For New Jersey, Jesper Bratt continues to be the engine, leading the team with 34 points (9 goals, 25 assists) this season. Captain Nico Hischier is right behind him with 32 points, providing the two-way play that the Devils rely on.
For the Islanders, all eyes are on rookie sensation Matthew Schaefer. The young defenseman is having a Calder-worthy campaign, racking up 12 goals and 16 assists (28 points) from the blue line. Alongside playmaker Mathew Barzal, Schaefer has revitalized the Islanders’ power play.
Key Injuries: fortunately, both teams are reporting a relatively clean bill of health. No major new injuries were listed for either side following their weekend games, meaning we should see full-strength lineups tonight.
Game Score Prediction and Betting Insight
Speaking personally, this feels like a spot where the oddsmakers might be baiting us with the road favorite. The betting line has the New Jersey Devils at -125, with the Over/Under set at 5.5.
I’m leaning towards the Islanders to pull off the upset here, or at least cover the puck line. New York has been resilient at home, and their momentum from the Leafs win is significant. However, looking at the total, I really like the Over 5.5. Both teams have elite offensive talent in Bratt and Schaefer who can break a game open. My gut tells me the Devils’ desperation meets the Islanders’ confidence, resulting in a high-scoring 4-3 affair.
Prediction: Islanders win 4-3 in OT.
More NHL Coverage
If you are looking for more ways to find the New Jersey Devils on TV today, check out our complete broadcast guide. We also have the full New York Islanders TV schedule updated for the remainder of the 2025-26 season. Don’t forget to browse the NHL point leaders 2025-26 season to see where Bratt and Schaefer rank league-wide. Finally, if you think you know your hockey, join our online hockey pool for cash prizes on my website and test your skills against other fans.
The post Why the Devils vs Islanders Game Tonight is a Must-Watch Battle for the Metro appeared first on NHL Trade Rumors.
