Devils vs Avalanche Oct 28, 2025: Preview and projected lineups

The New Jersey Devils head into Ball Arena on Tuesday night looking to extend their remarkable eight-game winning streak against a Colorado Avalanche team desperate to break free from a four-game winless skid. This rematch comes just two days after the Devils edged the Avalanche 4-3 in overtime at the Prudential Center, and both teams will feature significant lineup adjustments as they navigate injuries and roster changes in this pivotal early-season clash.

With the Devils boasting the NHL’s best record at 8-1-0 and the Avalanche sitting at 5-1-4 with four overtime losses already equaling their total from last season, this matchup offers compelling storylines on both sides. Jacob Markstrom returns to the Devils crease after missing significant time, while the Avalanche will counter with Scott Wedgewood, who has dominated New Jersey historically with a perfect 4-0-0 record and .965 save percentage against his former organization.

Devils vs Avalanche projected lineup October 28, 2025: New Jersey’s forward combinations

The Devils forward lines showcase the depth that has propelled them to the top of the Eastern Conference standings. Jack Hughes centers the top unit between Ondrej Palat and Jesper Bratt, forming one of the league’s most dynamic offensive trios. Hughes has been instrumental in the Devils’ hot start, orchestrating plays with his elite vision and speed while Bratt continues to provide scoring punch from the wing.

The second line features captain Nico Hischier flanked by Timo Meier and Dawson Mercer, giving New Jersey a legitimate one-two punch down the middle. This combination provides both offensive firepower and defensive responsibility, with Hischier’s two-way excellence complementing Meier’s physical presence and goal-scoring ability. Mercer has emerged as a consistent contributor, providing the kind of secondary scoring that championship-caliber teams require.

New Jersey’s third line will see Arseny Gritsyuk skating alongside Juho Lammikko and Connor Brown. Notably, Lammikko makes his season debut after missing the first nine games with a lower-body injury, adding another veteran presence to the lineup. His return provides valuable depth and penalty-killing expertise that head coach Sheldon Keefe can deploy in crucial defensive situations.

The fourth line consists of Paul Cotter, Luke Glendening, and Stefan Noesen, a gritty combination built for energy and forechecking pressure. Glendening brings face-off prowess and shutdown defensive capabilities, while Noesen provides occasional offensive flashes to complement his physical style of play. This depth has been crucial to the Devils’ success, allowing them to roll four lines with confidence.

The Devils will be without several key players including Brett Pesce, who will miss at least a month after suffering an upper-body injury during Sunday’s overtime victory. Other notable absences include Cody Glass, Johnathan Kovacevic, and Evgenii Dadonov, forcing New Jersey to rely on their organizational depth. Despite these losses, the team has shown remarkable resilience, a testament to their roster construction and coaching.

Devils vs Avalanche projected lineup October 28, 2025: Colorado’s offensive scheme

The Avalanche counter with their own formidable forward group led by the Nathan MacKinnon line. MacKinnon, widely regarded as one of the NHL’s elite centers, will be flanked by Artturi Lehkonen and Martin Necas. This trio combines speed, skill, and finishing ability, with MacKinnon serving as the engine that drives Colorado’s offensive attack. Necas has brought a new dimension to the Avalanche lineup since joining the team, while Lehkonen sits just one point away from the 300-point milestone in his career.

The second line features Brock Nelson between Ross Colton and Valeri Nichushkin, providing secondary scoring punch. Nichushkin’s return to form has been critical for Colorado’s success, as his combination of size and skill creates matchup problems for opposing defenses. Nelson adds veteran savvy and a proven scoring touch, while Colton brings energy and two-way reliability.

Perhaps the most intriguing storyline is Gabriel Landeskog’s presence on the third line alongside Jack Drury and Victor Olofsson. Landeskog, who needs just two goals to reach the 250-goal milestone, continues his return from the long-term injury that kept him sidelined. His leadership and physical presence provide an emotional boost to the entire organization, even if he’s not yet back to his peak form skating in a depth role.

The fourth line consists of Parker Kelly, Zakhar Bardakov, and Gavin Brindley, a young combination that brings speed and energy. Bardakov’s development has been encouraging, showing flashes of offensive potential to complement his defensive responsibilities. This group will be tasked with providing momentum shifts through energetic shifts and smart defensive zone coverage.

Colorado’s injury situation includes Logan O’Connor (hip surgery, early November return), Samuel Girard (upper body, week-to-week), and Joel Kiviranta (lower body, indefinitely). These absences have tested the Avalanche’s depth, particularly on defense where they’ve had to shuffle pairings throughout the early season. The team’s 0-1-3 record in their last four games reflects these challenges as they search for the chemistry that has made them perennial contenders.

Devils vs Avalanche projected lineup October 28, 2025: Defensive pairings and blue-line battles

New Jersey’s defensive corps will feature Luke Hughes alongside Dougie Hamilton on the top pair. Hamilton brings offensive production from the back end with his powerful shot and mobility, while the younger Hughes continues his impressive development as a dynamic, puck-moving defender. This pairing provides the kind of transition game that fuels the Devils’ up-tempo system, allowing their forwards to attack with speed.

The second pairing consists of Jonas Siegenthaler and Simon Nemec, combining veteran stability with youthful promise. Siegenthaler provides steady, stay-at-home reliability, while Nemec, a highly-touted prospect, continues to gain NHL experience. This combination balances defensive responsibility with occasional offensive contributions, giving the Devils options in various game situations.

Brenden Dillon anchors the third pairing alongside Seamus Casey, who makes his season debut after being recalled from Utica of the American Hockey League. Casey’s call-up reflects both the Devils’ injury situation and his impressive play at the AHL level. Dillon’s veteran presence should help ease the transition, providing support and communication throughout the game.

For the Avalanche, the defensive unit is headlined by the Cale Makar-Devon Toews pairing, arguably the NHL’s best defensive duo. Makar, a Norris Trophy winner, combines elite skating, offensive vision, and improving defensive awareness. Toews complements him perfectly with sound positioning and underrated offensive contributions, allowing Makar the freedom to create offense while maintaining defensive structure. This partnership is essential to everything Colorado does at both ends of the ice.

The second pairing features Josh Manson alongside Brent Burns, a combination that blends physicality with offensive creativity. Burns, despite his veteran status, still possesses one of the league’s hardest shots and continues to contribute on the power play. Manson provides the physical edge and defensive responsibility, willing to block shots and engage in board battles. Their contrasting styles create balance on the pairing.

Jack Ahcan and Sam Malinski round out the Avalanche defense on the third pairing. Both have been pressed into larger roles due to injuries, and their performance will be crucial against a Devils team that can roll four effective forward lines. Similar to the previous meeting between these teams, depth defenders will face significant challenges matching up against elite offensive talent.

Devils vs Avalanche projected lineup October 28, 2025: Goaltending matchup and between-the-pipes storylines

Jacob Markstrom returns to the Devils net after missing time since October 13 with a lower-body injury. His presence provides New Jersey with an established starter who has demonstrated the ability to steal games with timely saves. Markstrom’s return couldn’t come at a better time for the Devils, who will need strong goaltending to maintain their winning streak in the hostile environment of Ball Arena.

The veteran netminder brings experience and composure, qualities that will be tested against an Avalanche offense capable of generating high-danger chances in bunches. His positioning and rebound control will be critical factors, as Colorado excels at crashing the net and capitalizing on second-chance opportunities. Jake Allen serves as the backup, providing insurance should Markstrom show any rust from his extended absence.

Scott Wedgewood gets the start for Colorado, continuing his remarkable success against his former organization. His 4-0-0 career record against New Jersey includes a .965 save percentage and two shutouts, statistics that inspire confidence despite the Avalanche’s recent struggles. The veteran goaltender has been solid this season, and he’ll need another strong performance to help Colorado snap their winless streak.

The narrative adds extra intrigue as Wedgewood faces the team that traded him, while Mackenzie Blackwood returns as the backup after missing the first 10 games with a lower-body injury. Blackwood’s presence provides the Avalanche with insurance and depth, though Wedgewood has earned the net through his consistent play. The goaltending matchup could ultimately decide this game, as both offenses possess the firepower to create scoring chances.

Wedgewood’s familiarity with Devils personnel should theoretically provide an advantage, as he understands tendencies and shooting preferences. However, New Jersey’s offensive surge during their winning streak suggests they’re playing with confidence and unpredictability. The goaltending duel will test both netminders’ ability to handle high-quality chances, manage rebounds, and provide their teams with the saves needed to secure two critical points.

Key tactical considerations for Devils vs Avalanche projected lineup October 28, 2025

Special teams could prove decisive in this matchup, as both teams feature dangerous power play units and capable penalty-killing groups. The Devils have thrived by generating 5-on-5 offense during their winning streak, but their ability to capitalize on power-play opportunities provides an additional dimension. Hughes and Hamilton both quarterback power-play units with creativity and shooting threats that stress opposing penalty kills.

Colorado’s power play remains among the league’s most potent weapons, with MacKinnon, Makar, and Nichushkin forming a fearsome top unit. The Avalanche need to generate momentum through special teams success, as their 5-on-5 play hasn’t consistently produced results during their winless stretch. Gaining the man advantage and converting could provide the spark needed to rediscover their offensive rhythm.

Faceoff battles will matter significantly, particularly in defensive-zone situations where both teams want to control possession and transition quickly. Glendening gives New Jersey an advantage in the circle, while MacKinnon and Nelson provide Colorado with reliability. Winning draws leads to puck possession, and possession translates to offensive-zone time and scoring chances. The team that controls faceoffs often controls game flow.

Coaching adjustments from both benches will be fascinating to monitor. Sheldon Keefe must manage a depleted Devils lineup while maintaining the aggressive, attacking style that has fueled their winning streak. Jared Bednar faces the challenge of rejuvenating an Avalanche team that has struggled to find its identity, collecting points through overtime and shootout losses without securing regulation victories. Both coaches will need to make timely adjustments based on game flow and matchup success.

The battle for puck possession in the neutral zone could determine offensive opportunities for both teams. New Jersey excels at quick transitions, using speed to bypass defensive structures and create odd-man rushes. Colorado counters with strong gap control and active sticks, attempting to disrupt passing lanes and force turnovers. Whichever team wins these neutral-zone battles will likely control territorial play and generate higher-quality scoring chances throughout the game.

The rematch between these Eastern and Western Conference powerhouses promises high-intensity hockey with significant implications for both teams’ trajectories. New Jersey seeks to extend their dominance and prove their hot start represents sustainable success rather than early-season variance. Colorado desperately needs a regulation victory to restore confidence and demonstrate they remain among the NHL’s elite despite their recent struggles. According to the official NHL game preview, the 9 p.m. ET puck drop sets the stage for what should be a compelling contest.

Ultimately, this game will test depth, resilience, and tactical execution from both sides. The Devils must prove their winning formula translates on the road against desperate opponents, while the Avalanche need to rediscover the offensive consistency and defensive reliability that made them championship contenders. With Markstrom returning between the pipes and Wedgewood seeking continued success against his former team, the goaltending matchup adds another layer of intrigue. Colorado fans hope home ice provides the advantage needed to snap their winless streak, but New Jersey’s confidence and balanced attack make them formidable opponents regardless of venue. Additional insights from Colorado Hockey Now highlight the Avalanche’s determination to get back in the win column before this pivotal stretch continues.