Islanders Look to Spoil Devils' Season Opener in Jersey

The Devils kick off their 2026-27 campaign at home against a divisional rival that's made a habit of playing spoiler in recent years. New Jersey opens with all the optimism of a fresh slate, but the Islanders arrive as the ultimate buzzkill—a structured, defensively stingy outfit that thrives on suffocating opponents' offensive flow and grinding out ugly wins.

This early-season Metro showdown carries extra weight. The Devils will be eager to make a statement in front of their home crowd, but opening night jitters are real, especially against a team as disciplined as the Isles. New York's system under their coaching staff is built to frustrate skill-heavy clubs, clogging lanes and forcing perimeter shots. If the Devils' top guns aren't sharp out of the gate, this could turn into a low-event slog.

The X-factor? Special teams and goaltending. September hockey means rust, and the team that finds its rhythm first on the power play—or gets a timely save sequence—usually steals these tight divisional affairs. The Islanders have the experience edge in these grinding matchups, while New Jersey has the home crowd and fresh-season energy. DarkHorse hasn't weighed in yet, but expect a tight, chippy affair where one goal might be the difference. Don't sleep on the under.