In a clash of Metropolitan Division rivals, the New York Islanders face off against the New Jersey Devils on Tuesday, November 28, at 19:00 ET. Both teams are hungry for points as they aim to climb the division standings. The Islanders (8-6-6) are coming off a shootout loss to the Philadelphia Flyers (9-9-1), while the Devils are riding high after a dominant win over the Buffalo Sabres. This matchup promises to be a battle of offense, with each team looking to outscore the other. Let’s dive into the team statistics and recent performances to get a better understanding of what to expect in this game. Check out our Islanders vs Devils Prediction.

Islanders Seek Defensive Stability and Faceoff Dominance

The New York Islanders, with an 8-6-6 record, have had a mixed bag of results in the early stages of the 2023-2024 NHL season. While their offense has shown promise, averaging 2.7 goals per game, their performance in the faceoff circle has been a key driver of their success. The Islanders boast an impressive 52.4% faceoff win rate, positioning them in eighth place in the league. This proficiency in the faceoff circle allows them to gain possession and control the tempo of the game.

However, it’s on the defensive end where the Islanders have room for improvement. They’ve allowed an average of 3.2 goals per game, placing them 15th in goals against. Their penalty kill efficiency, sitting at 69.8%, has been a major concern, ranking them 31st in the NHL. To find success against the Devils, the Islanders will need to tighten up defensively and improve their penalty-killing unit.

Brock Nelson has been a standout player for the Islanders, leading the team in points with 16. His offensive contributions are crucial to the team’s success. On the defensive side, Adam Pelech boasts a solid +6 plus-minus rating, reflecting his ability to contribute at both ends of the ice. In goal, Ilya Sorokin has posted a 5-3-5 record with 2.95 goals allowed per game and a respectable.917 save percentage.

In their last 10 games, the Islanders have struggled with inconsistency, recording a 3-6-1 record. While their power play has been a source of strength with a 23.5% success rate, they need to address their defensive issues and penalty-killing struggles to secure a win against the Devils.

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 Offensive Power and Special Teams Dominance

The New Jersey Devils, with a 9-9-1 record, have showcased their offensive prowess in the early stages of the 2023-2024 NHL season. They’ve averaged 3.3 goals per game, ranking 13th in the league. The Devils’ power play efficiency is a significant factor in their offensive success, leading the NHL with a remarkable 36.5% success rate. This deadly power play unit poses a significant threat to the Islanders’ penalty kill.

On the defensive side, the Devils have had some struggles, allowing an average of 3.7 goals per game, placing them 29th in goals against. However, their penalty kill has been a bright spot, with a success rate of 78.1%, ranking 17th in the NHL. To maintain their success, the Devils must focus on tightening up defensively, especially against an Islanders team looking to capitalize on power plays.

Jesper Bratt has been instrumental in the Devils’ offensive output, leading the team in points with 25. His offensive contributions have been crucial to their success. In goal, Vitek Vanecek has been outstanding, securing 8 wins with a GAA of 3.32 and a .884 save percentage.

In their last 10 games, the Devils have faced some ups and downs, posting a 4-6-0 record. While their offense has been potent, their defensive vulnerabilities must be addressed to secure a victory against the Islanders.

David’s Pick Analysis: New Jersey Devils -147

For this matchup, I’m leaning towards the New Jersey Devils as the favorites. The Devils’ offensive firepower, especially on the power play, is a significant advantage. They lead the league with a remarkable 36.5% power play success rate, which can exploit the Islanders’ penalty kill struggles, ranked 31st in the NHL at 69.8%.

While the Islanders have shown flashes of offensive brilliance, their inconsistent form and defensive vulnerabilities, allowing 3.2 goals per game, raise concerns. In contrast, the Devils have been consistently strong on offense, averaging 3.3 goals per game. Therefore, my pick for this game is the New Jersey Devils to secure a hard-fought victory, utilizing their power play proficiency to gain an edge. However, it’s worth noting that hockey can be unpredictable, and the Islanders have the potential to upset if they can tighten up defensively and capitalize on their own power play opportunities.