NHL · January 20, 2026
New Jersey Devils @ Edmonton Oilers
Free LineCrush game report for New Jersey Devils @ Edmonton Oilers on January 20, 2026, with matchup analysis and pick ideas generated for the daily slate. Reports can update as lineups, injuries, and odds develop, so confirm time-sensitive details before acting.
Matchup Analysis
McDavid's Elite Scoring Form vs. Vulnerable Devils Defense
Connor McDavid has potted 30 goals in 50 games this season and compiled 27 goals over his last 36 games since November 4. The Devils rank 26th in expected goals against at 5-on-5 and dead last on the penalty kill over the last 10 games, setting up a favorable matchup for McDavid to exploit their defensive vulnerabilities.
Back-to-Back Disadvantage Compounds Devils' Woes
New Jersey is playing on the second leg of a back-to-back after their overtime win in Calgary, while Edmonton has a rest advantage. The Devils have historically underperformed in this scenario, losing 10 of their last 12 night games following an overtime victory.
Oilers' Suffocating Recent Defense
Edmonton has won its last two games by a combined 11-0 margin against Vancouver and St. Louis, allowing just one goal or fewer in four of their last five games. This defensive surge, even without Leon Draisaitl, positions the Oilers to contain New Jersey's struggling offense which ranks 28th in goals scored.
Goaltender Disparity: Allen's Struggles vs. Jarry's Stability
Jake Allen is expected to start for the Devils but ranks 39th among 42 eligible goaltenders in high-danger save percentage since the holiday break with a .906 save percentage. Tristan Jarry counters with a .907 save percentage and +7.7 GSAx rating, giving Edmonton's net an edge.
Power Play Dominance Tilts in Oilers' Favor
Edmonton's power play operates at 33.09% efficiency (1st in NHL) and has succeeded on 34.9% of opportunities over the last 20 games, while New Jersey's penalty kill ranks 23rd at 77.6%, creating opportunities for Edmonton's elite special teams.
Devils' Limited Depth Scoring Concerns
New Jersey's top three forwards—Jack Hughes, Nico Hischier, and Jesper Bratt—have combined for just 105 points across 129 games, with Hughes mired in a 13-game goalless drought despite generating scoring chances. The team lacks the secondary scoring to overcome Edmonton's balanced attack.
Pick Ideas
Connor McDavid Anytime Goal
McDavid is in peak scoring form and facing a Devils defense ranked dead last on the penalty kill with vulnerabilities at 5-on-5. At +100, backing him to find the back of the net exploits the matchup advantage.
Edmonton Oilers Moneyline
The Oilers are favored at -160 to -180 and present value given their dominant recent defensive performance, home-ice advantage, and rest edge while the Devils navigate a back-to-back with defensive vulnerabilities.
Under 6.5 Goals
The Devils' 28th-ranked offense meets Edmonton's suffocating recent defense that has allowed one goal or fewer in four of five games, and each of New Jersey's last eight games against Pacific Division opponents has gone under the total.
Jack Hughes Anytime Goal
Despite his 13-game goalless drought, Hughes generated multiple high-danger chances against Calgary and is at +190 to score, offering value as he faces an Oilers team allowing 2.74 xGA/60 over the last 12 games.
Jake Walman Over 0.5 Points
Walman has produced 20 points in 36 games since joining Edmonton and was promoted to the top power-play unit without Draisaitl, providing reliable scoring upside in a same-game parlay scenario.