Devils Seek Season-Series Sweep in San Jose

The New Jersey Devils are riding high despite a recent setback, entering San Jose with their sights set on a decisive victory. With an impressive 8-2-0 record that has them tied atop the NHL standings, the Devils are looking to complete a season-series sweep over the struggling Sharks when they meet at SAP Center on Thursday, October 30. Less than a week ago, these two teams faced off at Prudential Center, where New Jersey emerged with a convincing 3-1 victory powered by Dougie Hamilton’s two power-play goals.

The Devils had their eight-game winning streak snapped in a high-scoring 8-4 loss to the Colorado Avalanche on Tuesday, but that single setback shouldn’t overshadow what has been a remarkable start to the season. New Jersey has won eight of its last nine games, matching the best 10-game start in franchise history alongside the memorable 1993-94 and 2017-18 campaigns. Now on the second stop of a four-game road trip through California, the Devils are eager to bounce back against a Sharks team that sits at just 2-6-2 and appears to be in the early stages of a lengthy rebuild.

Devils seek season-series sweep with goaltending change in San Jose

Head coach Lindy Ruff has made a strategic decision to start Jake Allen between the pipes against San Jose, despite Jacob Markstrom returning from injury in the Colorado game. Markstrom’s 8-4 loss wasn’t entirely his fault, as the entire team struggled defensively, but Allen has been nothing short of spectacular this season. The 35-year-old veteran boasts a perfect 5-0-0 record with a 1.93 goals-against average and a .923 save percentage.

Allen’s performance has been one of the season’s most pleasant surprises for New Jersey. After years of splitting duties and backup roles, he’s seized the opportunity to prove he can still be a reliable starter. His five consecutive wins to open the season have provided crucial stability and given the Devils confidence in their goaltending depth. Against a Sharks team averaging just 2.4 goals per game, Allen should have every opportunity to extend his unblemished record.

The decision also allows Markstrom additional rest and time to shake off any lingering effects from his injury. In modern NHL hockey, managing a goaltending tandem effectively can be the difference between a deep playoff run and an early exit. The Devils are fortunate to have two capable netminders who can handle starting responsibilities.

Markstrom, despite his rough outing in Denver, brings valuable playoff experience and a track record of success. The 2-2-0 record and elevated statistics aren’t indicative of his true abilities, and having him fresh for the remainder of the road trip could prove crucial. The Devils’ coaching staff understands that a long season requires careful management of resources, and rotating goaltenders strategically is part of that equation.

Jack Hughes leads offensive charge as Devils seek season-series sweep over Sharks in San Jose

The Devils’ offensive firepower has been on full display early this season, with captain Jack Hughes leading the charge. Hughes has been absolutely electric, currently tied for the NHL lead with nine goals through just 10 games. Over his last five contests, he’s accumulated eight points, including a spectacular hat trick performance. His six goals in those five games demonstrate the kind of elite finishing ability that makes him one of the league’s most dangerous forwards.

Hughes isn’t operating in isolation, however. The Devils boast balanced scoring throughout their lineup, with Jesper Bratt contributing 12 points (4 goals, 8 assists) and Nico Hischier adding 10 points while excelling in his two-way role. The chemistry between Hughes and Bratt on the top line has been particularly potent, creating constant pressure and generating high-danger chances.

Dawson Mercer’s resurgence has been another encouraging development for New Jersey. After being moved down to the third line earlier in the season, Mercer has responded with strong play and earned his way back onto the second line alongside Timo Meier and Hischier. His goal against Colorado was his fourth of the season, giving him nine points and placing him fourth on the team’s scoring list. His ability to produce regardless of linemates demonstrates the kind of versatility that championship teams require.

The power play has been particularly lethal, with Dougie Hamilton quarterbacking from the point. His two power-play goals in the previous meeting with San Jose showcased his ability to find shooting lanes and beat goaltenders with a heavy, accurate shot. Hamilton now has three goals and four points over his last three games, fitting seamlessly into the Devils’ offensive system after joining the team in 2021. His presence on the blue line gives New Jersey a legitimate scoring threat from all areas of the ice.

Defensive adjustments as Devils seek season-series sweep over Sharks in San Jose

The loss of Brett Pesce to an upper-body injury on Sunday has forced the Devils to shuffle their defensive pairings. Pesce, acquired in the offseason to bolster the blue line, had been providing steady, reliable minutes before going down. In his absence, the Devils recalled 21-year-old Seamus Casey, who made his season debut in the Colorado game.

Casey’s first appearance didn’t go according to plan. The young defenseman looked rusty and made several mistakes, including an errant pass that resulted in Victor Olofsson’s third goal of the game. These growing pains are expected for a player making his NHL debut in a high-pressure road game, but the Devils need Casey to settle down quickly. His poise with the puck and offensive instincts are his strengths, and getting comfortable defensively will be crucial for his development.

The Luke Hughes-Dougie Hamilton pairing remains the team’s top defensive duo, combining elite skating ability with offensive creativity. Hughes, in his sophomore season, has taken significant strides in his defensive responsibility while maintaining the rush capabilities that made him a first-round pick. Hamilton’s veteran presence helps stabilize the pairing and provides leadership.

Jonas Siegenthaler and Simon Nemec form a solid second pairing, with Siegenthaler’s defensive reliability complementing Nemec’s developing offensive game. The third pairing of Brenden Dillon and Casey will be tested against San Jose, but facing a lower-scoring opponent provides an ideal opportunity for Casey to build confidence. The Devils’ defensive depth will be tested with Pesce, Johnathan Kovacevic, and others sidelined, but the system Ruff has implemented emphasizes quick puck movement and support, which should help cover for individual inexperience.

Sharks rebuild features emerging young stars as Devils seek season-series sweep in San Jose

While the Devils are in win-now mode, the Sharks are firmly in rebuilding territory. However, San Jose’s rebuild has generated significant excitement thanks to the emergence of 18-year-old phenom Macklin Celebrini. The first overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft has been sensational, leading all rookies and many veterans with 16 points (6 goals, 10 assists) through just 10 games. His five-game scoring streak includes an eye-popping hat trick and five-point performance that announced his arrival as a legitimate NHL star.

Celebrini’s hockey IQ is off the charts, allowing him to process the game at an elite level despite his youth. He’s joined by fellow top picks Will Smith and Michael Misa, giving the Sharks a potential foundation of elite young forwards. Smith, selected fourth overall in 2023, has nine points through the early portion of the season and displays the vision and playmaking ability that made him such a coveted prospect.

The Sharks’ veteran additions, including Tyler Toffoli and Jeff Skinner, provide mentorship while contributing offensively. William Eklund, a 2021 first-round pick, has 10 points and appears to be taking the next step in his development. The mix of youth and experience creates an interesting dynamic, though the team’s 2-6-2 record reflects the reality that talent alone doesn’t guarantee wins.

Goaltending has been a significant challenge for San Jose. Yaroslav Askarov, acquired from Nashville in the offseason, has struggled with a 4.69 goals-against average and .844 save percentage. The highly-touted prospect needs time to adjust to increased workload and pressure, but his early numbers are concerning. Alex Nedeljkovic has been marginally better at .875, but neither goaltender has provided the consistency needed to keep games close. This weakness presents a golden opportunity for the Devils’ potent offense to exploit.

What this matchup means for both teams seeking season-series sweep outcomes

For New Jersey, this game represents an opportunity to respond immediately to the streak-ending loss in Colorado. Championship-caliber teams don’t let single defeats become losing streaks, and the Devils need to demonstrate their mental toughness by refocusing and executing their game plan. The four-game road trip continues through California, with a meeting against the Los Angeles Kings looming Saturday. Building momentum with a victory in San Jose sets the tone for the remainder of the swing.

The Devils’ special teams will be crucial in this matchup. Their power play has been lethal when given opportunities, and San Jose’s penalty kill hasn’t been particularly effective. Conversely, New Jersey’s penalty kill needs to contain Celebrini and the Sharks’ young forwards, who possess elite speed and skill. Staying disciplined and limiting odd-man rushes will be essential, especially given the defensive injuries the Devils are managing.

San Jose, meanwhile, is focused on development rather than wins and losses. Every game provides valuable experience for Celebrini, Smith, Misa, and the other young players who represent the franchise’s future. Facing a top-tier opponent like New Jersey offers an excellent measuring stick for where the rebuild stands. Competitive games, even in defeat, help establish positive habits and build confidence.

The Sharks’ coaching staff will emphasize compete level and systematic play rather than results. Learning to execute defensively, support the puck, and finish checks against skilled opponents prepares young players for long-term success. Celebrini’s emergence has energized the fanbase and provided tangible hope that better days are ahead, even if the present remains challenging.

---

The Devils enter SAP Center as heavy favorites to complete the season sweep over San Jose. With Jake Allen’s perfect record, Jack Hughes’ scoring touch, and a roster built for contention, New Jersey has all the ingredients needed for victory. The Sharks, despite Macklin Celebrini’s brilliance, simply don’t have the depth or goaltending to consistently compete with elite teams.

New Jersey must approach this game with professionalism and focus, avoiding the trap of overlooking a weaker opponent. The Colorado loss serves as a reminder that any NHL team can win on any given night, especially when the opposition grows complacent. If the Devils execute their game plan, support Jake Allen defensively, and capitalize on their offensive advantages, two points should be well within reach. The road trip through California continues, but success in San Jose would establish positive momentum heading into the weekend’s matchup with Los Angeles.