Metropolitan Division
Devils line reunions set for Islanders clash: Preview update
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Updating yesterday's preview, the New Jersey Devils have reshaped forward lines for familiarity ahead of their Metropolitan Division matchup with the New York Islanders at UBS Arena (7 p.m. ET), with teams separated by one point before the holiday break. Jack Hughes reunites with Jesper Bratt, Jacob Markstrom starts in goal.
The New York Islanders went 2-2-0 from March 13 to 20, 2026, falling from third in the Metropolitan Division to just outside the playoffs. A 3-2 regulation loss to Ottawa on March 19 left them tied at 83 points with the Columbus Blue Jackets, who hold the tiebreaker. They trail Detroit Red Wings and Boston Bruins by one point for wild-card spots.
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The Pittsburgh Penguins are favored to continue their edge over the Philadelphia Flyers in their Metropolitan Division matchup on Thursday at PPG Paints Arena. Pittsburgh has won five of the last eight encounters against Philadelphia, which enters on the second night of a back-to-back. Analysts highlight Pittsburgh's superior goaltending and overall team strength as key factors.