New Jersey Devils vs Pittsburgh Penguins Picks, Prediction, Odds, and Line Movement for Thursday February 26 2026
Use Code WWWC Devils vs Penguins NHL predictions take center stage in a Metro Division battle Thursday night, and if you are searching for sharp NHL picks, this matchup is more about the puck line and total than simply backing the favorite. Pittsburgh is priced as the home side, but the injury context tightens the projection.
Quick Picks and Prediction
- Puck Line Pick: Devils +1.5
- Total Pick: Under 5.5
- Projected Final Score: Penguins 3, Devils 2
Odds and Line Movement
Opening Odds
| Market | New Jersey | Pittsburgh |
|---|---|---|
| Moneyline | +120 | -144 |
| Market | Over | Under |
|---|---|---|
| Total | 5.5 (-128) | 5.5 (+104) |
Current Odds
| Market | New Jersey | Pittsburgh |
|---|---|---|
| Moneyline | +130 | -156 |
| Market | Over | Under |
|---|---|---|
| Total | 5.5 (-130) | 5.5 (+106) |
Line Movement - Puck Line
| Date | Time | New Jersey | Pittsburgh | Public |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 02/25 | 01:21:16PM | +120 | -144 | |
| 02/26 | 08:26:23AM | +130 | -156 | PIT 80%, PIT 88% |
Line Movement - Total
| Date | Time | Over | Under | Public |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 02/25 | 01:21:16PM | 5.5 (-128) | 5.5 (+104) | |
| 02/26 | 08:34:31AM | 5.5 (-130) | 5.5 (+106) |
Penguins
Pittsburgh enters at 29-15-12 and has been one of the steadier teams in the Metro. The Penguins average 3.41 goals per game and are second in the division.
However, the injury situation is significant and directly impacts this handicap.
- Sidney Crosby is on injured reserve.
- Egor Chinakhov is listed day-to-day.
- Filip Hallander is on injured reserve.
- Caleb Jones is on injured reserve.
- Jack St. Ivany is on injured reserve.
Devils
New Jersey is 28-28-2 and has struggled with finishing, averaging 2.48 goals per game. The Devils enter on a four-game slide.
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Even so, divisional familiarity and Pittsburgh’s injuries bring this closer than the record might suggest.
- Luke Hughes is on long-term injured reserve.
- Stefan Noesen is out.
- Zack MacEwen is on long-term injured reserve.
Penguins vs Devils Key Matchups and Handicap
Without Crosby, Pittsburgh loses its top-line driver and primary power-play orchestrator. That lowers both offensive ceiling and late-game reliability.
New Jersey’s defensive transition may be impacted by Luke Hughes’ absence, but Pittsburgh’s own depth issues on the blue line balance that concern.
The total is set at 5.5, which already reflects a lower-scoring expectation. With Pittsburgh’s top-end creation diminished and New Jersey struggling to finish, the under holds value.
Given the divisional context and injury landscape, this projects as a one-goal contest rather than a multi-goal separation.
Betting Trends - NJD and PIT
- Pittsburgh is priced around -156 at home.
- Public money is heavily backing the Penguins.
- The total is set at 5.5 with plus money on the under.
- New Jersey enters on a four-game slide.
Key Injuries and Notes - NJD and PIT
- PIT missing Sidney Crosby on injured reserve.
- PIT dealing with multiple depth injuries.
- NJD without Luke Hughes on long-term injured reserve.
- NJD missing Stefan Noesen.
ATS and Total Picks
- Puck Line Pick: Devils +1.5
- Total Pick: Under 5.5
Final Score Prediction
This should be a tight, divisional game that stays within one goal.
- Projected Final Score: Penguins 3, Devils 2
How to Bet
Before placing your wager, compare pricing at the best sportsbooks and take advantage of available sportsbook promo codes.
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