The Pittsburgh Penguins and the New Jersey Devils are set to face off in a highly anticipated Eastern Conference showdown on Thursday night, January 8, 2026, at PPG Paints Arena. The puck drops at 7 p.m. ET, with fans able to tune in via ESPN+, Fubo, MSGSN, or the Devils Radio Network. Both teams are eager to make a statement as the regular season barrels toward its pivotal mid-point, but they arrive at this matchup with sharply contrasting momentum and storylines.
The Devils, currently holding a 22-19-2 record and sitting sixth in the Metropolitan Division, are reeling from what can only be described as a disastrous outing. Just two nights prior, New Jersey suffered a stunning 9-0 defeat at the hands of the New York Islanders. The rout was all but settled early in the second period, with the Islanders jumping to a 4-0 lead and never looking back. Despite outshooting New York 44-24 and winning the faceoff battle 30-25, the Devils simply couldn’t convert their chances. Their power play sputtered at 0-for-3, and defensive lapses led to goals on most of the Islanders’ Grade A opportunities. As if the loss wasn’t enough, it marked the sixth defeat in the Devils’ last eight games, with the team scoring one goal or fewer in five of those contests. Ouch.
Head coach Lindy Ruff didn’t mince words after the game, saying, “That was rock bottom for us. But we have to play with an edge now. There’s no other way.” The frustration is palpable, and the Devils know they must respond quickly if they hope to stay in the playoff hunt. Fortunately, there’s a glimmer of hope: defenseman Simon Nemec is set to return from injury, and Jake Allen will get the start in net. Nemec, who missed time with a lower-body issue, brings much-needed stability to New Jersey’s blue line, while Allen boasts a respectable .913 save percentage and a 2.6 goals-against average over 22 games this season. Jesper Bratt continues to lead the team in assists (25) and points (34), while captain Nico Hischier and Timo Meier have chipped in with 12 goals apiece.
The Devils’ injury list remains a concern, with Evgenii Dadonov, Johnathan Kovacevic, Zack MacEwen, and Marc McLaughlin all sidelined. Still, the return of Nemec could be the spark this group needs. “Getting Simon back is huge for us,” Allen remarked before the team departed for Pittsburgh. “We know we’re better than what we showed last game.”
On the flip side, the Pittsburgh Penguins are riding a wave of confidence. With a 20-12-9 record, they’ve climbed to fifth in the Metropolitan Division and have rattled off five consecutive victories. Their most recent win was a dramatic 5-4 overtime triumph against the Columbus Blue Jackets, where they overcame a 4-1 deficit by scoring four unanswered goals, including the equalizer with just 14 seconds left in regulation. The Penguins outshot Columbus 43-25 and capitalized on their opponent’s giveaways, a testament to their opportunistic style and resilience.
Sidney Crosby, the ageless captain, continues to lead by example. He’s amassed 47 points (24 goals, 23 assists) in 41 games and is currently riding a seven-game point streak, with multiple points in each of his last three outings. Defenseman Erik Karlsson has also been a force, leading the team with 28 assists. The Penguins’ power play ranks third in the league, and their penalty kill sits comfortably in the top ten, making them a formidable opponent on special teams.
There’s more good news for Pittsburgh: superstar forward Evgeni Malkin, who’s been sidelined with an upper-body injury, is expected to return to the lineup. Malkin’s presence adds another layer of danger to an already potent offense. “Having Geno back is a big boost,” Crosby told reporters. “He’s a difference-maker every night.” However, the Penguins will still be without Caleb Jones, Tanner Howe, Rutger McGroarty, and Filip Hallander, all nursing various injuries. In a notable roster move, the team re-assigned forward Ville Koivunen to the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins (AHL) earlier in the day, hoping that more ice time in the minors will help the young winger develop further. Koivunen had registered two goals and three assists in 27 NHL games this season.
Statistically, the Penguins have the edge in several key categories. They’re 10th in scoring and have been especially strong at home, going 9-6-5 at PPG Paints Arena. Their recent surge has been fueled by balanced scoring, tight defense, and clutch performances from their stars. Pittsburgh’s penalty kill and power play efficiency have also played crucial roles in their current five-game winning streak.
For New Jersey, the path to victory is clear but challenging. The Devils are 31st in scoring—a worrying figure—and their power play, while ranked 14th, has struggled to produce in recent outings. They’re 11-11 on the road and 4-5-1 in their last 10 games. However, history offers a sliver of encouragement: New Jersey is 10-3 in its last 13 games against Pittsburgh. If they can rediscover their scoring touch and tighten up defensively, there’s reason to believe they could snap out of their funk against a red-hot rival.
Betting odds reflect the uncertainty and intrigue surrounding this clash. As of January 8, 2026, the Penguins are slight favorites with a -118 moneyline, while the Devils sit at -102. The puck line is set at Pittsburgh -1.5 (+200) and New Jersey +1.5 (-250), with the total goals line at 6 (over -120, under +100). Recent betting trends suggest the total has gone under in 10 of the Devils’ last 12 games, while the over has hit in five of Pittsburgh’s last seven. The Devils are just 2-6 in their last eight, but the Penguins are a perfect 5-0 in their last five outings.
As the teams take the ice tonight, all eyes will be on whether New Jersey can rebound from their lowest point or if Pittsburgh will continue their relentless march up the standings. With stars returning from injury, key roster moves, and playoff implications already looming, this Metropolitan Division battle promises plenty of drama and intensity. Will the Devils finally right the ship, or will the Penguins’ hot streak roll on? The answer awaits at PPG Paints Arena.
One thing’s for sure: both teams have a lot to prove, and fans can expect a spirited contest from the opening faceoff to the final horn. As the action unfolds, the Eastern Conference playoff picture will come just a little more into focus.
