Nashville Predators vs New Jersey Devils

Nico Hischier, this one comes with extra pressure as your Devils return home on a two-game losing streak, facing a Nashville side that has also dropped two straight but just pushed Boston to overtime and has generally been competitive on this swing. The biggest lineup story is on New Jersey’s blue line, where Luke Hughes is on long-term injured reserve with a shoulder injury, stripping the Devils of their top-minute puck mover, while Cody Glass is questionable after leaving Tuesday’s loss to Winnipeg, adding more uncertainty to an already shuffled forward group following the Palat-for-Tsyplakov deal. Historically, Nashville has controlled this matchup with a 21-12-0-6 all-time record against New Jersey, and Roman Josi has produced 22 points in 22 career games versus the Devils, even as Hischier and Jack Hughes have been near point-per-game threats in their recent meetings with the Predators. With both clubs sitting just outside firm playoff positioning past the midpoint, the Predators’ superior historical form in Newark, slightly steadier five-on-five play of late, and the Saros edge in net against Markstrom nudge me toward the underdog side at a moneyline of 115. I grade Nashville on the moneyline as a B+ pick, reflecting what I see as close to a 50 percent win chance with plus-money return that justifies the risk. Odds and availability are subject to change. This bet was made at 29/01/2026 09:35

Both teams come in scuffling offensively, with New Jersey managing only three goals in an upset loss to a bottom-tier Winnipeg squad and Nashville recently playing in tight, low-event games such as a 3-2 overtime defeat in Boston and a 2-1 shootout grind against the Islanders. Losing Luke Hughes for an extended stretch not only weakens the Devils’ defending but also saps a major source of transition and power-play creation, increasing the likelihood that New Jersey leans on a more conservative, structure-first approach in front of Jacob Markstrom. On the other side, Juuse Saros has already shown this month that he can drag road games into low-scoring territory, and Nashville’s offense has been inconsistent at five-on-five despite high-end talents like Filip Forsberg and Steven Stamkos. With both clubs desperate for points in a tightening playoff race, this sets up like a cautious, whistle-heavy matchup where special teams and goaltending loom large, making a total of 6 feel a touch high. I’m taking Under 6 at -118 with a B grade, expecting a 3-2 style scoreline more often than not while acknowledging the moderate juice slightly trims the value. Odds and availability are subject to change. This bet was made at 29/01/2026 09:35

The recent history between these clubs in Newark has frequently tilted toward one-goal margins, including Nashville’s 3-2 shootout win here that vaulted them into a wild-card spot late last season, and even in losses the Predators have often kept Devils games within striking distance. espn.com Given that both sides are on two-game skids and are trying to stabilize defensively rather than trade rush chances, a tight, playoff-style tempo is more likely than another blowout like Hischier’s hat-trick night in 2024. allaboutthejersey.com With Luke Hughes unavailable and Cody Glass a question mark, New Jersey’s ability to pull away is somewhat capped, while Nashville still dresses impact veterans such as Josi, Ryan O’Reilly and Stamkos who tend to keep games composed even when trailing. nhl.com That combination of matchup history and current roster context makes Nashville +1.5 at -210 an attractive way to back the visitors in what projects as another one-goal contest, even if the heavy price means the edge is more about probability than payout. I grade the Predators +1.5 puckline as a solid B, prioritizing win rate and bankroll protection over raw return. Odds and availability are subject to change. This bet was made at 29/01/2026 09:35