NFL Previews 
MLB Previews 
NBA Previews 
NHL Previews 
Soccer Previews 
Devils vs Penguins Picks and Predictions – Thursday January 8, 2026
Pittsburgh is finally stacking wins, and the five-game heater feels more repeatable than a random hot week. The Penguins have played with better game control since the break, they’ve gotten timely finishing from the top of the lineup, and they’re not giving away long stretches the way they did earlier in the season.
The timing gets even more interesting if Evgeni Malkin returns. Even if he’s not in peak rhythm right away, his presence changes how teams defend Pittsburgh’s middle-six and it often sharpens the power play. On the other side, New Jersey is walking into this one trying to flush a brutal stretch, capped by a 9-0 loss, with offense that has gone cold at the worst time.
This is the kind of matchup where one team wants to keep riding structure and confidence, while the other is fighting the tension of needing a clean start right now, not later.
New Jersey Devils vs Pittsburgh Penguins Odds
These are the current betting lines. NHL numbers can move quickly once lineups and goalie starters are confirmed, so keep monitoring the latest NHL odds leading into puck drop.
| Team | Moneyline | Puck Line | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Devils | -105 | +1.5 (-265) | 6.5 (O +100 / U -120) |
| Pittsburgh Penguins | -115 | -1.5 (+210) | 6.5 (O +100 / U -120) |
New Jersey Devils Betting Form
New Jersey’s issue isn’t shot generation. It’s conversion and composure. They’ve dropped six of the last eight and the losses have been ugly from a scoring standpoint, including multiple shutouts. When a team starts gripping sticks, you see it in the small stuff: forcing plays through traffic, passing up clean shots, and chasing offense after one mistake turns into two.
The possible return of Simon Nemec matters because it helps them move pucks cleaner and spend less time defending extended shifts. But even with better breakout support, the Devils still have to finish at 5v5 and stay disciplined, because giving Pittsburgh power-play volume is a bad way to stabilize after a skid.
For recent form and team trends, start with New Jersey Devils stats and results. Before you bet, confirm who’s actually available on the New Jersey Devils injury report.
Pittsburgh Penguins Betting Form
Pittsburgh has been better at dictating the terms of the game lately. They’ve controlled momentum more consistently, and Sidney Crosby is driving offense with a scoring streak that’s showing up in big moments, not just empty production. The Penguins’ top end is creating, and the depth has finally started to support it.
Malkin’s potential return is the swing factor. If he’s in, it gives Pittsburgh another high-level distributor who can tilt matchups and give the second unit a real identity again. If he’s out or limited, the Penguins can still win, but it leans more heavily on Crosby’s line and special teams to separate.
You can follow the recent run and matchup splits on Pittsburgh Penguins schedule and stats, and you’ll want to check late availability on the Pittsburgh Penguins injury report.
New Jersey Devils vs Pittsburgh Penguins Matchup Breakdown
At 5v5, this comes down to who owns the middle of the ice. New Jersey wants speed through the neutral zone and quick-touch entries that lead to slot passes. Pittsburgh’s recent edge has been disrupting that flow and forcing opponents to play a heavier game along the walls, which is where the Devils can get impatient.
Special teams matter more than usual here. The Devils are searching for offense, and the temptation is to force power-play creation or to take risks that lead to penalties the other way. Pittsburgh can win this matchup without dominating shots if the power play gets quality looks and the Devils’ frustration shows up in the penalty column.
Goaltending is also a real variable. Starters were not confirmed in the info provided, and that can swing a near pick’em like this. If one side goes with a backup or a goalie on a short turnaround, it changes how you should price both the side and any derivative bets.
The environment is stable: PPG Paints Arena is indoors, so no weather component. That puts the handicap back on pace, discipline, and whether New Jersey can stay calm if the first goal goes against them.
New Jersey Devils vs Pittsburgh Penguins Predictions and Best Bets
This line is telling you the market sees it close, and I agree it’s not a spot to overreach. The Devils have talent, they can generate chances, and a team coming off an embarrassing loss can play one of its sharpest games simply out of necessity.
But I still lean Pittsburgh. They’re playing cleaner hockey right now, Crosby is driving outcomes, and the possible Malkin return raises Pittsburgh’s floor in a game where New Jersey is trying to rediscover its scoring touch. If the Penguins keep the game structured early and avoid feeding the Devils a quick-strike start, they’re in the better position to close.
If Malkin is confirmed in, it strengthens the play. If he sits, it’s still a Penguins lean, just with less confidence in a multi-goal margin type of outcome.
Best Bet: Pittsburgh Penguins Moneyline (-114)
NHL Picks and Handicappers on ScoresAndStats
If you’re betting the NHL consistently, you want repeatable edges: tracking market movement, separating hot streak noise from sustainable process, and knowing which cappers are actually beating numbers. The NHL picks page is the quickest way to scan the slate and compare your leans against what’s being played.
For accountability, the Best Handicappers hub and the live leaderboard make it easy to follow results instead of reputation. If you want full-card access and tighter timing, you can buy picks and stay aligned with the same releases across the schedule.
For more matchup-based reads, the NHL previews hub keeps the focus on betting angles, while the NHL betting guide and Stanley Cup betting guide are good references when you’re tightening up how you price moneylines, evaluate special teams swings, and decide when a short favorite is worth the risk.
