New Jersey Devils vs Pittsburgh Penguins Picks & Predictions for Thursday, January 8, 2026

By: Kim Smith Published 01/08/2026, 12:20 AM ET

The New Jersey Devils head to Pittsburgh to face the Penguins on Thursday night (7:00 PM ET, ESPN+). New Jersey is 22-19-2 and 11-11-0 on the road, while Pittsburgh is 20-12-9 and 9-6-5 at home. This one is essentially a coin flip on the moneyline with Pittsburgh at -112 and New Jersey at -108. The total is 6.5 (Over -105, Under -115). Be ready for all the NHL action with our free NHL Picks.

New Jersey Devils Team Breakdown

New Jersey’s numbers show a team that can control pace but hasn’t finished enough: 2.58 goals per game is light, even with a strong shot profile (30.0 shots per game). Defensively they’re not a disaster (3.09 GA/G), but their outcomes have been wildly volatile lately—highlighted by that 9-0 loss to the Islanders on Jan. 6, which is the sort of result that either triggers a focused bounce-back or exposes deeper defensive issues.

The Devils’ special teams are solid-but-not-scary: 20.2% power play and 77.5% penalty kill. The PK number matters here because Pittsburgh’s power play is a real weapon.

Goaltending note: If Jake Allen (2.55 GAA, .913 SV%) starts, New Jersey’s defensive floor looks far better than if it’s Jacob Markstrom (3.48 GAA, .878 SV%). That’s a major swing in a near pick’em game.

Subscribe Now

I authorize Picks And Parlays to send me promotional emails

I understand that I can unsubscribe at any time. I have read and accepted the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy. I consent that Picks And Parlays may use third-party services to process my data.

Terms & Conditions

Injury Report (New Jersey):

Evgenii Dadonov (IR, est. Jan 25)

Pittsburgh Penguins Team Breakdown

Pittsburgh’s profile is more “finished product” offensively: 3.27 goals per game with a similar defensive number to New Jersey (3.07 GA/G). They’re not relying on crazy shot suppression, but they’re efficient, and they’ve been rolling lately with five straight wins, four of them in overtime/shootout variety—meaning they’re very comfortable playing close games all the way to the horn.

Where Pittsburgh separates is special teams: a massive 29.7% power play, paired with an 81.5% penalty kill. Against a Devils PK sitting at 77.5%, that’s the clearest matchup edge on the board—especially in a game priced basically even.

Injury Report (Pittsburgh):

Rutger McGroarty (IR, est. Jan 19)
Evgeni Malkin (IR, est. Jan 8)
Peyton Kettles (OUT, est. Sep 15)
Caleb Jones (IR, est. Jan 17)
Tanner Howe (IR-NR, est. Jan 24)

If Malkin sits again, it does trim some of Pittsburgh’s 5-on-5 punch, but the PP edge is still the big story.

Matchup Edges and Game Script

This sets up like a “small edges” game: New Jersey shoots a lot but scores less; Pittsburgh scores more and has the more dangerous special-teams package. With both teams allowing right around 3 goals per game, and Pittsburgh’s recent run full of tight finishes, the most likely script is another one-possession type game where one power-play goal (or one goalie swing) decides it.

New Jersey already took the first meeting 2-1 (SO) on Nov. 8, but the current form points more toward Pittsburgh—especially at home and with that PP looming.

Devils vs Penguins Picks & Predictions

Best Bet: Pittsburgh Penguins moneyline (-112) In a near pick’em, I’ll side with the home team that’s been consistently closing games and has the clear special-teams edge.

Total Lean: Under 6.5 (-115) New Jersey’s offence is underpowered at 2.58 GF/G, and this matchup smells like a 3-2 / 4-2 type result more than a wide-open track meet—unless the power plays explode.

Final Score Prediction: Penguins 4, Devils 2

How To Bet This Matchup

When wagering on this matchup, the first step is ensuring you’re betting with maximum value and minimal risk. Savvy bettors often begin by checking current sportsbook promos to see which platforms are offering signup incentives or boosted odds. Choosing from the best betting sites gives you access to competitive lines, faster payouts, and better overall reliability. Many bettors prefer trusted brands like BetMGM, where using a Betmgm bonus code can significantly increase your starting bankroll. If you’re seeking reduced juice and a sharper betting experience, exploring alternatives like Novig with a Novig promo code is a smart move. Bettors who enjoy flexibility can also take advantage of free betting apps that allow wagering without traditional deposits, including platforms offering social-style wagering and sweepstakes entries. Options such as Thrillzz become even more appealing when paired with a Thrillz promo code, and many players also diversify by using Sweepstakes casino bonuses to stretch entertainment value while maintaining a betting edge.