New Jersey Devils vs New York Islanders Picks and Predictions April 13th 2025

Devils Look to Reset Against Eliminated Islanders Ahead of Playoffs

As the New Jersey Devils gear up for the postseason, they’ll have a chance to sharpen their play and restore momentum on Sunday when they host the New York Islanders. While the Devils are locked into their playoff seed, the Islanders are facing the reality of a lost season after being officially eliminated from contention.

For those evaluating late-season NHL picks and expert predictions, this game is a prime opportunity to assess how New Jersey responds ahead of their opening-round showdown with Carolina.

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Islanders Reflect on a Season of Missed Chances

The Islanders’ 2024 playoff hopes officially came to an end with Saturday’s 4-3 shootout loss to the Flyers. The defeat not only capped a grueling stretch but also confirmed their absence from the postseason for just the second time in seven years.

“This isn’t a place where we want to be,” said Islanders captain Anders Lee. “We fought through a lot of adversity and did our best to keep our footing… but stretches at times that lasted a game or two too long put us in a spot where it was out of our control.”

It’s a frustrating ending for a team that had occupied a playoff spot early in the season but lost ground and consistency over the following months. The loss to Philadelphia closed the door on their slim path to the postseason, which would have required a perfect finish and outside help.

Now, New York is left to finish its final games with pride, likely giving opportunities to younger players and evaluating potential roster adjustments for next year.

Devils Navigating Injuries, Preparing for Carolina

The Devils (41-31-7) are playoff-bound for the second time in three years, marking a return to form after last season’s disappointing finish. They’re locked into third place in the Metropolitan Division and set for a first-round matchup against the Carolina Hurricanes.

Despite their postseason return, injuries continue to complicate New Jersey’s outlook. Jack Hughes, who hasn’t played since March 2 due to a shoulder injury, will miss the rest of the season. Hughes still managed to finish second on the team with 70 points in just 62 games.

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Also missing from the lineup are defensemen Jonas Siegenthaler and Dougie Hamilton. However, there is optimism surrounding Hamilton, who returned to practice Saturday.

“It was great to see him out there — it’s an important step in his rehab process,” said head coach Sheldon Keefe. “He ended up doing a lot more than we anticipated, which is a positive sign.”

With several lineup holes, the Devils have relied on depth and grit to stay competitive down the stretch. Their matchup against the eliminated Islanders offers a chance to recalibrate and possibly get key players back into rhythm before the playoff intensity ramps up.

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New Jersey Eyes Clean Finish Before Playoff Test

While Sunday’s result won’t change the standings, it’s a valuable moment for New Jersey to refocus and reestablish confidence. Facing a division rival that’s already been eliminated adds a layer of familiarity and motivation, even if the stakes are tilted one way.

For bettors, this game presents a unique angle — a playoff-bound team managing health versus a team with nothing to lose. That’s where strategic insight and expert NHL picks become essential.