Devils Matinee Preview: New Jersey Hosts Colorado in Early Season Clash

The New Jersey Devils enter Sunday’s matinee matchup against the Colorado Avalanche with one of the NHL’s best records at 7-1-0, riding a wave of momentum that has seen them dominate the early portion of the 2025-26 season. Meanwhile, the Avalanche, sporting a respectable 5-1-3 record, arrive at Prudential Center looking to bounce back from a frustrating 3-2 loss to the Boston Bruins on Saturday afternoon. This contest marks the first of a unique home-and-home series between these two clubs, with the teams set to face off again in Denver just two days later on Tuesday night.

The matchup pits two of the league’s most explosive offensive teams against each other in a 1:00 PM EST start at the Prudential Center. Both franchises have started the season with championship aspirations, and this early-season test will provide valuable insights into where each team stands. With the Devils looking to extend their winning streak and the Avalanche seeking to avoid consecutive regulation losses, the stage is set for an intriguing battle between Eastern and Western Conference contenders.

Devils riding high behind exceptional goaltending and balanced scoring

The New Jersey Devils have been one of the surprise stories of the early 2025-26 campaign, though perhaps they shouldn’t be a surprise at all given their roster construction. Their 7-1-0 start has been fueled by contributions throughout the lineup, with multiple players stepping up to deliver offensive production. Jesper Bratt leads the Devils in points with 11, including seven assists and four goals, while Jack Hughes continues his ascent as one of the league’s premier centers with six goals and 10 points through eight games.

What has truly elevated the Devils during this stretch is their unexpected goaltending depth. With Jacob Markstrom sidelined, Jake Allen has been nothing short of sensational, posting a perfect 4-0-0 record with a 1.72 goals against average and a .932 save percentage. His performance has allowed the Devils to maintain their winning ways without missing a beat. Nico Daws also contributed with a solid 30-save performance in his lone appearance, demonstrating the organizational depth that general manager Tom Fitzgerald has cultivated.

The Devils’ offensive depth extends beyond their star forwards. Nico Hischier has been ridiculously effective in his shutdown role, consistently neutralizing opposing top lines while chipping in nine points of his own. His ability to contain elite competition has freed up Hughes and Bratt to exploit favorable matchups. Meanwhile, Dawson Mercer’s transition to third-line center following Cody Glass’s injury has been seamless, with three points in his last two games bringing him to a point-per-game pace.

Perhaps most impressive has been the Devils’ ability to generate offense from throughout their lineup. Connor Brown already has four goals, while Paul Cotter has elevated his game on the third line. The addition of Arseny Gritsyuk to the second line alongside Hischier and Timo Meier has provided another dimension to the team’s attack. Dougie Hamilton has contributed on the power play with two goals against San Jose on Friday, showcasing the special teams threat that can overwhelm opponents.

The Devils have demonstrated both offensive firepower and defensive responsibility, limiting opponents’ high-danger chances while controlling play through the neutral zone. Their penalty kill has been anchored by Luke Glendening’s defensive acumen, while their power play has found ways to capitalize on opportunities. This balance has been crucial to their fast start and will be tested against Colorado’s potent offensive weapons.

Avalanche looking to rebound after rare regulation setback

Colorado’s 3-2 loss to Boston on Saturday represented their first regulation defeat of the season, ending an impressive run that had seen them accumulate points in their first eight games. The loss was particularly frustrating given the Avalanche’s dominance in possession and expected goals, as they posted a 70.21% Corsi-for percentage and 62.53% expected goals-for percentage. According to the official Avalanche game preview, Jeremy Swayman’s goaltending (1.86 goals saved above expected) and some unfortunate puck luck denied them the victory they likely deserved.

Artturi Lehkonen provided all of Colorado’s offense with his third and fourth goals of the season, both assisted by Nathan MacKinnon. MacKinnon continues to be the driving force behind the Avalanche’s attack, tied for fifth in the NHL with 13 points and tied for eighth with six goals. His ability to create offense from seemingly nothing remains elite, and his 696 even-strength points since entering the league in 2013-14 rank second in the NHL during that span. Against New Jersey specifically, MacKinnon has been historically productive with 22 points (nine goals, 13 assists) in 21 career games.

Cale Makar leads all NHL defensemen in points with 10, tied for first in goals among blueliners with three, and tied for second in assists with seven. His offensive prowess from the back end provides Colorado with a dimension that few teams can match. The pairing of MacKinnon and Makar gives the Avalanche two legitimate Hart Trophy-caliber players who can take over games. Martin Necas has also started strongly with 12 points through nine games, adding another scoring threat to Colorado’s already formidable attack.

The Avalanche enter this matchup dealing with some goaltending uncertainty. Scott Wedgewood has carried the load this season with a 5-1-2 record, but after playing Saturday in Boston, rookie Trent Miner is expected to get the start against New Jersey. Miner performed admirably in relief against Carolina earlier in the week, stopping all 20 shots he faced before losing in a shootout. While starting a rookie goaltender on the road against a red-hot opponent presents challenges, Miner’s .919 career save percentage in the AHL suggests he has the talent to hold his own.

Colorado’s depth down the middle remains one of their greatest strengths. Beyond MacKinnon, they feature solid two-way play from Brock Nelson and Jack Drury on the second and third lines. The addition of Necas has provided wing depth, while Ross Colton continues to be effective in his role. The back end features not just Makar but also veteran leadership and offensive contributions, though Sam Girard’s absence with an upper-body injury has forced some adjustments.

Key matchups that will decide the game

The most compelling storyline in this New Jersey Devils vs Colorado Avalanche game preview October 26 2025 centers on the battle between elite centers. Nico Hischier’s assignment will likely pit him against Nathan MacKinnon in what could be the defining matchup of the contest. Hischier has been exceptional at neutralizing opposing top lines this season, most recently shutting down Macklin Celebrini at five-on-five while still managing three assists. His defensive awareness and strength on the puck make him one of the league’s most underrated two-way centers.

If Hischier can successfully limit MacKinnon’s time and space, it would represent a significant victory for the Devils’ defensive structure. However, MacKinnon’s ability to create offense through speed and skill makes him one of the most difficult players in the NHL to contain. The chess match between Devils head coach Sheldon Keefe and Avalanche bench boss Jared Bednar will be fascinating, particularly regarding line matching and defensive zone starts.

The defensive battle between Dougie Hamilton and Cale Makar presents another intriguing subplot. Both defensemen excel at generating offense from the back end, with Hamilton’s booming shot and Makar’s skating ability providing their respective teams with transition advantages. Makar’s 10 points through nine games lead all NHL defensemen, while Hamilton has shown the ability to quarterback the Devils’ power play effectively. Their ability to join the rush and create odd-man opportunities could swing momentum in this high-scoring affair.

The goaltending duel will also be crucial, particularly with uncertainty surrounding who starts for each team. If Jake Allen gets the nod for New Jersey, his momentum and confidence from four consecutive wins could prove invaluable. His .932 save percentage suggests he’s seeing the puck extremely well and positioning himself to make the crucial stops. For Colorado, whether it’s Wedgewood on the second night of a back-to-back or the untested Miner making his first start, the goaltender will need to be sharp against a Devils team that has shown the ability to score in bunches.

Special teams and secondary scoring could tip the scales

The power play battle may ultimately determine the outcome of this matinee matchup. The Devils have weapons throughout their lineup, with Hamilton’s recent two-goal performance against San Jose demonstrating their ability to capitalize with the man advantage. Hughes and Bratt provide elite playmaking and finishing ability, while Stefan Noesen—despite limited ice time in his return from groin surgery—remains a net-front presence who can tip pucks and create chaos.

Colorado’s power play features the dynamic trio of MacKinnon, Makar, and Necas, giving them multiple options to attack from different angles. MacKinnon’s shot from the slot remains one of the most dangerous weapons in hockey, while Makar’s ability to walk the blue line and create shooting lanes opens up passing opportunities. The Devils’ penalty kill, anchored by Glendening’s responsible defensive play, will need to be disciplined and aggressive in taking away time and space.

Secondary scoring could be the difference-maker in what projects to be a closely contested game. For the Devils, the contributions of players like Paul Cotter, Connor Brown, and Dawson Mercer on the third line have provided depth scoring that has been crucial to their early success. Brown’s four goals already this season suggest he’s found chemistry with his linemates and confidence in his shooting. The Avalanche counter with their own depth threats, including Ross Colton, Artturi Lehkonen, and the emerging Gavin Brindley, whose “attention to detail” has earned him increased ice time according to recent reports.

The battle along the boards and in front of the net will favor whichever team can establish physical dominance. The Avalanche have shown the ability to dominate possession metrics, as evidenced by their 43.6% offensive zone time that ranks fourth in the NHL. If they can pin the Devils in their defensive zone and generate extended pressure, it could lead to mistakes and scoring chances. Conversely, the Devils’ ability to transition quickly and exploit Colorado’s defense in an odd-man rush situations could create high-quality scoring opportunities.

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This Sunday afternoon showdown between the New Jersey Devils and Colorado Avalanche promises to deliver the kind of fast-paced, skill-driven hockey that makes the NHL so compelling. The Devils will look to extend their impressive start and prove their early success is no fluke, while the Avalanche seek to demonstrate that Saturday’s loss was merely an aberration rather than a sign of vulnerability. With both teams boasting elite talent, deep rosters, and championship aspirations, this first meeting of the season sets the stage for Tuesday’s rematch in Denver. Whether it’s Allen continuing his magical run, MacKinnon finding ways to beat Hischier’s shutdown defense, or special teams making the difference, this matinee matchup carries significant implications for both teams’ confidence moving forward into the season’s next phase.