Colorado Avalanche vs New Jersey Devils projected lineup October 26 2025

The Colorado Avalanche and New Jersey Devils are set to clash on October 26, 2025, at the Prudential Center in Newark, bringing together two teams heading in opposite directions. The Devils enter this matinee matchup riding a seven-game winning streak and boasting the best points percentage in the NHL at 7-1-0, while the Avalanche are looking to halt a troubling three-game slide that has seen their promising 5-0-0 start fade to a 5-1-3 record. This early-season showdown represents the first of back-to-back meetings between these cross-conference rivals, with the return match scheduled for Tuesday in Denver.

With puck drop at 1:00 p.m. ET, both teams will deploy lineups shaped by injury concerns and recent performance struggles. The Avalanche need to rediscover the form that made them one of the league’s hottest teams through early October, while the Devils aim to continue their dominant run that has established them as Eastern Conference frontrunners. The contrasting trajectories and the compressed schedule of a home-and-home series add extra intrigue to this Sunday afternoon encounter.

Colorado Avalanche vs New Jersey Devils projected lineup October 26 2025: Avalanche forward lines

The Avalanche’s forward configuration reflects both strategic adjustments and injury-forced adaptations. The top line features Artturi Lehkonen alongside superstar Nathan MacKinnon and offseason acquisition Martin Necas, a combination that has shown chemistry despite the team’s recent struggles. Lehkonen is approaching a significant milestone, sitting just one game away from his 600th NHL appearance and four points from the 300-point mark in his career.

The second line presents one of Colorado’s most pressing concerns heading into this matchup. Gabriel Landeskog centers Brock Nelson and Valeri Nichushkin, but production has been alarmingly absent from two key players. Nelson, acquired to bolster scoring depth, has managed just one goal and one assist through nine games—a pace far below expectations. More concerning for Avalanche fans is Landeskog’s output of only two assists as he continues working back to form, though he does sit just two goals away from the 250-goal milestone that seemed within easy reach at the start of the season.

The third line combines Ross Colton, Jack Drury, and Victor Olofsson in a checking role that will need to provide secondary scoring if Colorado hopes to break their losing streak. Drury, approaching 200 career games with six needed to reach that mark, has been a steady presence since joining the organization. The fourth line features Parker Kelly flanked by Zakhar Bardakov and Gavin Brindley, representing youth and energy that could be crucial in the second game of a back-to-back situation.

Head coach Jared Bednar faces difficult decisions with scratches including Jack Ahcan and Danil Gushchin, both healthy but unable to crack the lineup. The injury list tells a more concerning story with Mackenzie Blackwood (lower body), Logan O’C onnor (hip surgery), Samuel Girard (upper body), and Joel Kiviranta (lower body) all sidelined, forcing Colorado to rely on organizational depth that has been tested repeatedly in the early going.

Colorado Avalanche vs New Jersey Devils projected lineup October 26 2025: Devils forward lines

New Jersey’s forward group enters this contest brimming with confidence after seven consecutive victories. The top line of Ondrej Palat, Jack Hughes, and Jesper Bratt has been nothing short of dominant, with Hughes orchestrating offense at an elite level. This trio has developed the kind of chemistry that can break games open, and they’ll face the challenge of matching up against MacKinnon’s line in what promises to be an enthralling battle between star-studded units.

The second line showcases the Devils’ offensive depth with Timo Meier joining captain Nico Hischier and Russian prospect Arseny Gritsyuk. Hischier missed Saturday’s practice but is expected to dress for Sunday’s matinee, his presence critical to New Jersey’s balanced attack. Meier’s physicality combined with Hischier’s two-way excellence creates matchup problems that the Avalanche’s depleted defensive corps must solve. Gritsyuk has been an early-season revelation, contributing to the Devils’ league-leading start.

Paul Cotter anchors the third line between Dawson Mercer and Connor Brown, providing grit and forechecking intensity that wears down opponents. The energy line of Stefan Noesen, Luke Glendening, and Brian Halonen rounds out the forward group, offering defensive reliability and timely offensive contributions. This depth has been instrumental in New Jersey’s ability to roll four lines effectively, keeping fresh legs on the ice throughout games.

The Devils’ injury situation is extensive but hasn’t derailed their success. Cody Glass (upper body), Johnathan Kovacevic (lower body), Marc McLoughlin (upper body), Evgenii Dadonov (fractured hand), Zack MacEwen (upper body), and Juho Lammikko (lower body) all remain sidelined. According to official NHL reports, Jacob Markstrom won’t play Sunday but will join the team for their upcoming four-game road trip beginning in Colorado on Tuesday.

Colorado Avalanche vs New Jersey Devils projected lineup October 26 2025: Defensive pairings and goaltending

Colorado’s blue line features the elite pairing of Devon Toews and Cale Makar, arguably the best defensive duo in hockey. Makar continues to drive offense from the back end while maintaining responsible defensive positioning, though the recent three-game slide has exposed some vulnerabilities even for this exceptional partnership. Toews provides the perfect complement with his steady two-way play and ability to move pucks efficiently.

The second pairing of Josh Manson and veteran Brent Burns brings experience and physicality, though Burns’ age and declining mobility have been occasionally exposed during the losing streak. The third pairing of Ilya Solovyov and Sam Malinski represents organizational depth pressed into larger roles than anticipated due to Samuel Girard’s upper-body injury. This unit will face a stern test against New Jersey’s speed and skill.

In net, Trent Miner is expected to get the start after Scott Wedgewood made 16 saves in Saturday’s 3-2 regulation loss to Boston. This represents a significant opportunity for the young netminder to gain NHL experience, though facing the league’s hottest team is a baptism by fire. Wedgewood, who started the back-to-back opener, remains available as backup support.

New Jersey’s defensive structure has been a cornerstone of their success. The top pairing of Luke Hughes and Brett Pesce provides a blend of Hughes’ offensive instincts and Pesce’s defensive acumen. Jonas Siegenthaler partners with Dougie Hamilton on the second pairing, giving the Devils another unit capable of driving transition play while maintaining defensive integrity. The third pairing of Brenden Dillon and Simon Nemec adds depth and versatility.

Jake Allen is projected to start in goal for the Devils, capitalizing on Markstrom’s continued absence with a lower-body injury. Allen has been solid during New Jersey’s winning streak, providing the steady goaltending necessary for sustained success. Nico Daws serves as backup, ready to step in if needed. The Devils’ defensive depth has been tested by injuries to Kovacevic and the absence of Dennis Cholowski from the lineup, yet they’ve maintained their defensive structure throughout the winning streak.

Colorado Avalanche vs New Jersey Devils projected lineup October 26 2025: What this game means for both teams

For the Avalanche, this game represents a crucial opportunity to stop the bleeding before their three-game slide becomes something more systemic. What began as an impressive 5-0-0 start has transformed into questions about depth, health, and the ability to maintain performance when key players underperform. A loss to the Devils would extend the winless streak to four games and raise legitimate concerns about Colorado’s capacity to contend in a competitive Central Division.

The compressed schedule of back-to-back games against the same opponent adds another dimension. Losing both would be devastating for team morale and confidence, while splitting the series would at least provide evidence that adjustments can be made. Winning both seems unlikely given current form and the Devils’ dominance, but hockey’s unpredictability means Colorado can’t be counted out despite their struggles.

For New Jersey, extending their winning streak to eight games would further cement their status as legitimate Stanley Cup contenders. The Devils have answered questions about their ability to win consistently, their depth in the face of injuries, and their capacity to handle the pressure of elevated expectations. This home-and-home series against a Western Conference power provides an opportunity to make a statement that their hot start is sustainable.

The Devils’ upcoming four-game road trip, beginning with the rematch in Colorado on Tuesday, represents their first significant test away from home during this streak. How they handle these games could define their first quarter of the season. Building confidence with a victory on Sunday sets up the road trip positively, while a loss would provide a reality check before facing challenging road environments.

Both teams will use this game to assess their positioning as October transitions into November. The Avalanche need to rediscover their identity and defensive structure that made them nearly unbeatable early in the season. The Devils seek confirmation that their systems and depth can sustain success over a grueling 82-game schedule. With their next meeting just two days away, adjustments and counter-adjustments will be made rapidly, making this series particularly fascinating for hockey analysts and fans alike.

This Sunday afternoon showdown promises intensity, skill, and significant implications for both franchises as the 2025-26 season continues to take shape. The Colorado Avalanche vs New Jersey Devils projected lineup for October 26, 2025, sets the stage for a compelling contest between contrasting trajectories, with the struggling visitors desperate for a reset and the surging hosts looking to extend their dominance.