New Jersey Devils vs New York Islanders Picks and Predictions for Saturday October 3 2026
The New Jersey Devils visit the New York Islanders at UBS Arena in Elmont, New York, on Saturday, October 3, 2026. This is the Islanders’ regular-season opener, while New Jersey will already have a game under its belt after opening against Philadelphia on Thursday. The NHL’s expanded 84-game schedule began September 29 this season, so early-season scheduling and rest differences are already relevant. Be sure to check out our free NHL picks for more NHL predictions throughout the season.
Devils Enter With Game Experience
New Jersey gets an immediate scheduling advantage in the sense that the Devils will have already experienced regular-season pace before facing an Islanders club making its debut. The Devils entered the season with expectations of rebounding after a disappointing 2025-26 campaign, and their healthier lineup and improved depth were among the reasons for optimism entering the new season.
The Devils also saw the Islanders during the preseason, winning 4-1 in one of their late exhibition meetings. A preseason result shouldn’t be weighted like a regular-season game, but familiarity with the opponent can still matter when these clubs meet again so quickly.
The question is whether New Jersey can carry its early-season rhythm onto the road. With the Islanders playing their home opener, the emotional and energy advantage should lean toward New York early, making the first period particularly important.
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Islanders Begin a New Chapter
New York finished last season 35-35-12 and begins its first regular-season campaign under Pete DeBoer. The Islanders will have the advantage of opening at UBS Arena, but unlike New Jersey, they won’t have a regular-season game to work from yet.
This matchup could consequently be tighter than a simple roster comparison suggests. Home openers tend to bring considerable energy, while New Jersey’s previous game gives it an opportunity to arrive sharper structurally.
I’m more interested in New Jersey’s side than laying a significant price with the Islanders simply because they’re at home. The Devils have enough offensive upside to create problems if New York needs time to settle into its first meaningful game.
Devils vs Islanders Picks and Prediction
Pick: New Jersey Devils Moneyline
I’ll back New Jersey on the moneyline. The Devils have the benefit of already playing meaningful hockey, showed encouraging form entering the season, and have enough offensive talent to capitalize if the Islanders need time to settle into their opener.
Pick: Under 6.5
My total lean is Under 6.5. An Islanders home opener combined with an early-season divisional matchup gives me more confidence in a controlled game than a track meet. If the market posts 6 instead, the total becomes considerably less attractive.
Final Picks: New Jersey Devils ML and Under 6.5
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