The Devils head to UBS Arena tonight hoping to turn a 6‑0 defeat into a statement win against a struggling Islanders squad.
Key points
- The Devils arrive on a strong winning streak but must navigate goaltender fatigue and possible defensive injuries.
- Islanders’ power play is limited, yet their penalty kill remains among the league’s best.
- Coach Keefe’s decision on the starting goalie could influence both tonight’s game and the back‑to‑back schedule.
- Five‑on‑five matchups, particularly involving Horvat and Schaefer, are likely to be the decisive factor.
The New Jersey Devils travel to Long Island for the final meeting with the New York Islanders this season, a game that could serve as revenge for the 6‑0 loss they suffered on Oct. 3, according to a preview published on All About the Jersey (https://www.allaboutthejersey.com/devils-game-previews/74961/game-preview-17-new-jersey-devils-at-new-york-islanders). The matchup is set for 7:00 PM EST at UBS Arena in Elmont, New York, and will be broadcast on MSGSN2, MSGSN/DAZN and the Devils Hockey Network radio feed.
New Jersey enters the contest with a 11‑5‑0 record and a hot streak – seven wins in their last eight games, two of which stretched into overtime or a shootout. By contrast, the Islanders sit at 7‑6‑2 and have struggled to find consistency, despite a respectable penalty‑kill rate of 86.54 %. The preview notes that the Devils have been “officially rolling,” while the Islanders have often “had the Devils’ number” in recent regular‑season meetings.
Recent form and motivation
Injury news could tilt the balance. The Islanders are without Mathew Barzal, Ryan Pulock and Matias Maccelli, all listed in non‑contact jerseys. Maccelli’s absence has been highlighted as a blow, with the team posting a 3‑3‑1 record since his injury. Kyle Palmieri, still recovering from a torn ACL, has managed only three goals and an assist in 15 games, while former Devil Ondrej Palat and Anthony DeAngelo have posted modest point totals. For New Jersey, the preview flags potential concerns for defensemen Brenden Dillon, Jonas Siegenthaler and Declan Chisholm, who all suffered knocks in the previous game.
Off the ice, special teams are likely to be a secondary factor. The Islanders’ power play has been anchored by Bo Horvat (seven goals, seven assists) and Matthew Schaefer, who averages a point per game and has been involved in multiple power‑play goals. Conversely, the Devils have not yet found a rhythm on the man‑advantage. The preview emphasizes that forcing the game into five‑on‑five play may be the most reliable path to victory for either side.
Injury reports and lineup concerns
A key tactical decision revolves around the Devils’ netminder. Coach Sheldon Keefe is weighing whether to start Connor Hellebuyck or Jake Allen after Hellebuyck appeared fatigued in a recent third period, according to the article. Keefe hinted that resting Hellebuyck tonight could give him an extra day before a Thursday matchup with the Toronto Maple Leafs, but also noted that Hellebuyck had already logged a back‑to‑back game earlier this season.
The preview suggests that New Jersey may look to lean on its depth forwards, possibly giving more minutes to third‑ and fourth‑line players while testing whether a line featuring Cody Glass or Evan Rodrigues can contain the Islanders’ top‑line threats. Defensive pairings could also shift, with the possibility of Luke Hughes seeing reduced minutes in favor of a refreshed role for Chisholm if the Devils need to protect a lead.
Reader questions
When and where is the Devils‑Islanders game being played?
The game is scheduled for 7:00 PM EST on Oct. 3, 2026, at UBS Arena in Elmont, New York.
Which key Islanders players are unavailable for this game?
Mathew Barzal, Ryan Pulock and Matias Maccelli are listed in non‑contact jerseys and are not expected to play.
Who is likely to start in net for the Devils?
Coach Sheldon Keefe is weighing Connor Hellebuyck against Jake Allen, with the preview noting Hellebuyck may be rested to provide extra recovery before the next night’s game.
Source: allaboutthejersey.com
