New Jersey Devils vs Nashville Predators Prediction & Picks - NHL
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by Erik Gibbs | in NHL Picks
The New Jersey Devils and the Nashville Predators are set to clash on Thursday night at the Prudential Center in a game that carries heavy "bubble team" energy for two franchises desperate to solidify their playoff standing. Tthe Devils find themselves in a precarious position with a 27-24-2 record, sitting nine points out of a Wild Card spot and struggling to find the consistency needed to leapfrog the traffic jam in the Metropolitan Division.
Their recent form has been a rollercoaster; after a gritty 3-2 overtime win against the Seattle Kraken in mid-January, they stumbled in the rematch on the 25th, falling 4-2. While the special teams have been a bright spot—the power play has connected on five of its last nine attempts—the Devils' inability to generate high-danger chances at even strength has left them vulnerable in tight contests.
Nashville, meanwhile, enters Newark with a 24-23-5 record and is currently just two points shy of a Western Conference Wild Card berth. The Predators are coming off a heart-wrenching 3-2 overtime loss to the Boston Bruins on Tuesday, where they managed to claw back from a 2-0 deficit only to see the second point slip away.
Head coach Andrew Brunette has been vocal about the team's inconsistent starts, which were also evident in a recent 5-2 drubbing at the hands of the Mammoth. Despite the defensive lapses that have seen them allow 177 goals this season (28th in the league), the Predators have shown a "never say die" attitude, highlighted by a high-scoring 5-3 victory over Ottawa just last week.
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New Jersey Devils vs Nashville Predators Form
Table
| Teams | Pts | P | W | L | GD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
21
|
87 | 3397 | 29 | 37 | -24 |
|
22
|
86 | 2631 | 28 | 33 | -21 |
New Jersey Devils and Nashville Predators Latest Matches
4/6 (67%)
2/6 (33%)
Jan 29, 2026 - NHL
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3/6 (50%)
3/6 (50%)
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4/6 (67%)
2/6 (33%)
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1/6 (17%)
5/6 (83%)
Jan 29, 2026 - NHL
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3/6 (50%)
3/6 (50%)
Jan 24, 2026 - NHL
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2/6 (33%)
4/6 (67%)
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New Jersey Devils against Nashville Predators : Head to Head (H2H)
67 %
33 %
Jan 29, 2026 - NHL
Nov 25, 2024 - NHL
Dec 1, 2022 - NHL
Players list
J. Markstrom
J. Allen
J. Kovacevic
S. Nemec
B. Pesce
B. Dillon
D. Hamilton
J. Siegenthaler
P. Cotter
M. Tsyplakov
N. Hischier
J. Hughes
A. Gritsyuk
L. Hameenaho
D. Mercer
E. Dadonov
L. Glendening
T. Meier
J. Bratt
C. Brown
J. Annunen
J. Saros
A. Wilsby
N. Perbix
N. Blankenburg
J. Barron
R. Josi
B. Skjei
S. Stamkos
R. O'Reilly
L. Evangelista
O. Wiesblatt
C. Smith
T. Jost
M. McCarron
F. Forsberg
E. Haula
M. Bunting
J. Marchessault
M. Wood
Most goals and assists
New Jersey Devils
Nashville Predators
S. Stamkos
(42 Goals)
J. Bratt
(50 Assists)
, 
J. Hughes
(50 Assists)
R. O'Reilly
(49 Assists)
New Jersey Devils - Nashville Predators Key Points
- The Over is 3-2 in the Devils' last 5 games
- The Over is 4-1 in the Predators' last 5 games
- The Devils are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games
- The Predators are 2-3 ATS in their last 5 games
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Our New Jersey Devils vs Nashville Predators Prediction
For the Devils, Cody Glass has been a revelation since being acquired, tallying seven points (4G, 3A) in his last six games, while defenseman Dougie Hamilton has also mirrored that production with a goal and six assists in the same span. Superstar Jack Hughes continues to be the engine of the offense, recording six points over the last two weeks. Fans should also keep an eye on Maxim Tsyplakov, who is expected to make his Devils debut tonight after being acquired from the Islanders yesterday.
On the Nashville side, captain Roman Josi remains a force of nature, fresh off his 1,000th career game and a power-play goal against Boston. Steven Stamkos has also rediscovered his touch, punctuated by a massive hat trick against the Senators on January 22.
The injury bug is currently biting both rosters. New Jersey is still without starting netminder Jacob Markstrom (knee) and defenseman Luke Hughes is considered day-to-day with a shoulder issue. Nashville is missing defenseman Nicolas Hague (lower body) and forward Jonathan Marchessault, who remains on IR.
The Devils have a slight home-ice advantage, but Nashville's proximity to a playoff spot gives them the "desperation" edge. Given the defensive struggles of both teams and Juuse Saros' .895 save percentage this season, expect a high-scoring affair. Our prediction for New Jersey Devils vs. Nashville Predators: Under 5.5 goals.
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