NFL Previews 
MLB Previews 
NBA Previews 
NHL Previews 
Soccer Previews 
Edmonton Oilers vs New Jersey Devils Game Preview – October 18, 2025
The New Jersey Devils continue their early-season test against elite competition when they host the Edmonton Oilers on Saturday afternoon at Prudential Center. Puck drop is set for 3:30 PM ET on ESPN+, and this matchup has all the makings of a statement game for both sides. The Devils are on a three-game winning streak, while the Oilers look to bounce back from their first regulation loss of the year.
Smarter Bets Win More
Make confident wagers with expert breakdowns.
Line Movement and Odds
The opening line listed the Devils as slight home favorites, and action has remained tight as bettors weigh the Oilers’ offensive ceiling against New Jersey’s current form.
Moneyline: Oilers -107 | Devils -112
Puck Line: Oilers -1.5 (-257) | Devils +1.5 (+201)
Total: 6.0 (Over -111 / Under -110)
Market movement has leaned slightly toward New Jersey after their win over Florida, but sharp money has supported the Over based on both teams’ expected-goal rates.
Game Overview
The Devils have strung together three straight wins after dropping their opener to the Hurricanes. Their 3–1 victory over the Panthers on Thursday showed a team finding its identity — fast-paced, physical, and confident in the third period. Timo Meier and Nico Hischier each scored key goals in that win, while Jake Allen was sharp in net, stopping 32 of 33 shots.
What’s stood out most is New Jersey’s ability to finish games strong. They’ve been tied entering the third period in three of their four games and have outscored opponents 8–2 in those final frames. That composure is what coach Sheldon Keefe wants to define his group this season.
Jack Hughes continues to drive play at an elite level, leading the team in both shots and assists. New Jersey’s depth has also stepped up with contributions from Dawson Mercer and Erik Haula, balancing their top-heavy attack. However, the Devils are still managing several injuries, particularly on defense, which could test their structure against Edmonton’s firepower.
For the Oilers, Thursday’s 4–2 loss to the Islanders was a wake-up call. Defensive lapses — especially from Evan Bouchard, who finished minus-3 — overshadowed another productive night from Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. The duo has combined for three goals and ten points through four games, but the supporting cast has been inconsistent.
Coach Kris Knoblauch emphasized the need for sharper puck decisions after turnovers directly led to New York goals. Edmonton’s blue line remains one of the league’s most dynamic offensively, but their defensive-zone play and goaltending consistency remain question marks early in the season.
The Oilers’ special teams are trending well — their power play sits at 28%, and they’ve scored two short-handed goals already — but discipline could determine this game. The Devils rank among the top five in power-play opportunities drawn this year.
Injury Reports
| Team | Player | Status | Injury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oilers | Zach Hyman (LW) | Out | Upper Body |
| Mattias Janmark (C) | Out | Undisclosed | |
| Alec Regula (D) | Questionable | Undisclosed | |
| Jake Walman (D) | Out | Undisclosed | |
| Devils | Seamus Casey (D) | Out | Lower Body |
| Evgenii Dadonov (RW) | Out | Hand | |
| Johnathan Kovacevic (D) | Out | Knee | |
| Juho Lammikko (RW) | Out | Undisclosed | |
| Zack MacEwen (C) | Out | Upper Body | |
| Jacob Markstrom (G) | Out | Undisclosed | |
| Marc McLaughlin (C) | Out | Undisclosed | |
| Stefan Noesen (RW) | Out | Groin |
Betting Trends
- Edmonton is 2–1 straight up in their last three games.
- Oilers are 0–3 on the Over in their past three contests.
- Edmonton has covered the puck line in two of their last three.
- New Jersey is 3–0 straight up in their last three games.
- The Devils are 2–1 against the puck line in that span.
- New Jersey has gone Under in two of their last three games.
Prediction and Analysis
This matchup features two teams built on speed and transition, but trending in opposite directions. The Devils have grown sharper each game, playing with a collective defensive buy-in that complements their elite offense. Meanwhile, Edmonton’s reliance on top-end talent has masked defensive inconsistencies and questionable depth contributions.
The Oilers will have chances — McDavid and Draisaitl are inevitable — but New Jersey’s third-period dominance and home-ice energy could be decisive. Expect the Devils to pressure Edmonton’s defense with forechecking intensity and extended zone time.
The Over is appealing given both rosters’ scoring upside, though much depends on whether the Oilers’ defensive miscues continue. New Jersey’s late-game resilience gives them the edge here.
Projected Score: New Jersey Devils 4, Edmonton Oilers 3
Best Bet: Devils Moneyline (-112)
Over/Under Lean: Over 6.0 (-111)
For expert-verified NHL picks and live capper rankings, visit the Best Handicappers Leaderboard to track which pros are delivering the strongest ROI this season.
