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New Jersey (22-19-2) at Pittsburgh (20-12-9)
- When: Jan 8 2026, 7:00 PM
- Where: PPG Paints Arena, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- TV: MSGSN
New Jersey vs Pittsburgh NHL Preview & Pick
Moneyline: Pittsburgh -115
Spread: Pittsburgh -1.5 (+220)
Total: 6.0
Pittsburgh Penguins Betting Breakdown
Pittsburgh enters this matchup playing its best hockey of the season. The Penguins are riding a five game winning streak and suddenly look far more organized than they did earlier in the winter. The turnaround has been fueled by better puck management, steadier defensive play, and improved control of game tempo.
A major boost could come with the return of Evgeni Malkin, who has rejoined practice after missing more than a month. Even with limited availability this season, Malkin remains one of the team’s most productive playmakers. His presence adds depth down the middle and makes Pittsburgh more dangerous in transition.
Sidney Crosby continues to set the tone. He has been red hot lately, producing consistently and delivering in clutch moments. Pittsburgh has leaned on veteran leadership during this streak, and it shows in how the team closes games. The Penguins are not relying on luck right now. They are dictating pace and capitalizing on mistakes.
From a betting standpoint, Pittsburgh being a slight moneyline favorite at minus one fifteen makes sense. The Penguins are confident, structured, and playing with momentum, especially at home.
New Jersey Devils Betting Breakdown
New Jersey arrives searching for answers after a brutal stretch. The Devils have dropped six of their last eight games and scoring has dried up completely. Multiple losses have featured heavy shot volume with very little payoff, a frustrating trend for a team that expects to generate offense.
A potential positive is the return of a key defenseman, which should help stabilize puck movement and support the attack. Still, the Devils need their top forwards to regain form. Jesper Bratt and Nico Hischier have both cooled off recently, and Jack Hughes has not found his rhythm since returning from injury.
Defensively, New Jersey has been vulnerable, especially when games tilt emotionally. Once momentum swings against them, it has been difficult to stop the bleeding. That is a concern against a Pittsburgh team that thrives when it senses opportunity.
As underdogs, the Devils need a clean start and early offense to flip the script. Falling behind against this Penguins team is a dangerous path.
Prediction and Betting Outlook
Pittsburgh’s recent consistency and New Jersey’s scoring struggles point toward a tighter game controlled by the Penguins. The Devils should compete, but momentum and execution favor the home side.
Expect Pittsburgh to manage the game, limit breakdowns, and capitalize on chances.
Score Prediction: Pittsburgh 4, New Jersey 2
Pick: Pittsburgh -1.5 (+220)
Total: Under 6.5 Alt Lines (-130)
- NHL Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
