The New Jersey Devils sit atop the NHL by ten video games, boasting a 16-point begin and an 8-2-0 report. They’re an ideal 5-0 on residence ice and lead the Metropolitan Division, signaling themselves as one of many early juggernauts of the 2025-26 season. This week, the red-hot Devils head West, kicking off a difficult street journey which will function an early-season litmus check.
The Devils start a three-games-in-four-nights sequence Wednesday in San Jose. They may then face robust matchups in Los Angeles and Anaheim earlier than returning residence to face the Montreal Canadiens on November 6.
Although New Jersey was humbled by an 8-4 loss to Colorado on Tuesday—its worst defeat to date—the membership’s efficiency stays among the many league’s finest, and its Stanley Cup odds replicate rising respect throughout sweepstakes casinos obtainable in Florida and on-line sportsbooks. The Devils, who opened the season at +1300 to win all of it, have shortened to +1200 following their torrid begin.
Elite Begin Sparks Hype
New Jersey’s report ties one of the best 10-game begin in franchise historical past, matching marks from 1993-94 and 2017-18. An eight-game win streak, sandwiched between losses within the opener and most up-to-date contest, has powered the Devils to the higher reaches of each standings and headlines. Their 16 factors are tied for the NHL lead because the month ends.
Jack Hughes, who has carried over his star flip from final season, leads the offense with 9 targets and 14 factors. He’s tied for the league lead in targets and has tallied eight factors (six targets, two assists) in his final 5 video games, together with a hat trick and a present three-game scoring streak. Jesper Bratt has offered complementary punch with 4 targets and 12 factors, whereas captain Nico Hischier has ten factors by ten contests.
Dougie Hamilton’s play on the blue line has additionally stood out, particularly just lately. Hamilton has three targets and 4 factors in his final three video games, highlighted by a two-goal, three-point breakout in opposition to the Sharks on October 24. Nonetheless, the Devils will probably be examined defensively after dropping Brett Pesce to an upper-body damage on Sunday. Rookie Seamus Casey was recalled and made his season debut in Tuesday’s loss at Denver—a baptism by hearth in opposition to one of many league’s deepest groups.
Stingy Goaltending Fuels Quick Begin
Goaltending stability, a major query mark in latest seasons, has grow to be a stunning power for New Jersey. Jake Allen, acquired to assist solidify the crease, has been excellent, posting an ideal 5-0 report to start his Devils profession. His goals-against common sits at 1.93, and his .923 save share ranks among the many league’s finest by the early going.
These numbers will probably be essential because the street journey intensifies. Dealing with the Kings and Geese rapidly after San Jose will stress the staff’s depth and endurance. Giving up eight targets in Colorado was an outlier—New Jersey has in any other case restricted opponents successfully—but it surely’s a pointy reminder of the defensive dedication wanted to contend within the NHL’s higher echelon.
Devils Goal for Season Sweep Towards Sharks
New Jersey’s cease in San Jose doubles as an opportunity at a sweep. The Devils dispatched the Sharks 3-1 lower than per week in the past in Newark, driving Dougie Hamilton’s power-play exploits to the win. They’ve now crushed San Jose in latest conferences and can attempt to preserve it rolling on the SAP Heart on Wednesday.
The Sharks, deep in a franchise rebuild, started the season slowly at 0-4-2 however have received two of their final three. Their core is younger however promising, led by rookie ahead Macklin Celebrini (2024 first total decide), Michael Misa (second total in 2025), and Will Smith (2023 fourth total). Sam Dickinson (eleventh total, 2024) anchors the blue line, whereas Yaroslva Askarov, acquired from Nashville, has taken over in internet.
Celebrini has been a revelation—he’s driving a five-game level streak with 11 factors (5 targets, six assists), delivering a hat trick and a pair of multi-point nights alongside the best way. For a staff in transition, his quick influence gives a uncommon shiny spot amid rising pains.
Subsequent-Man-Up on Protection
The Devils’ blueline is thinner with out Brett Pesce, who was offering shutdown minutes earlier than his damage, however there’s optimism in what Seamus Casey may present. All eyes will probably be on how the rookie adjusts to the NHL grind and whether or not the Devils’ construction can protect younger defenders from opponent surges on the street.
The chemistry between Hughes, Bratt, and Hischier stays the staff’s engine. The Devils generate offense with tempo, transitions, and an aggressive forecheck—traits which have overwhelmed lesser opponents and challenged extra veteran-laden teams. The ability play has struck at key moments, powered by Hamilton’s shot and Hughes’s deft setup work.
Responding to Adversity
Tuesday’s 8-4 loss in Colorado snapped an eight-game successful streak and was a jolt for a gaggle used to dictating play. The Avalanche uncovered some cracks, however New Jersey’s response in California will reveal how effectively the membership can course-correct. A bounce-back efficiency in opposition to San Jose would get the journey—and the month of November—off on the fitting foot.
The four-game swing, packed into lower than per week, arrives as early adversity. It gives a glimpse on the staff’s resilience and depth and whether or not their league-leading begin is a harbinger of a real contender.
Trying Forward
After the California swing, New Jersey returns residence for a November 6 matchup with the Montreal Canadiens. With a good schedule and momentum to construct, the Devils purpose to solidify their place atop the Metropolitan—and justify the early religion of oddsmakers.
New Jersey is on tempo to grow to be greater than a nice October shock with their present run. Their West Coast swing will present if this staff is prepared for the lengthy haul. If the primary ten video games are any indication, the Devils have the items and the resolve to chase historical past—and possibly the Cup itself—in 2026.
