The New Jersey Devils and Chicago Blackhawks meet at the United Center on Wednesday night in a matchup that showcases two teams heading in different directions. The Devils, sitting atop the Eastern Conference with a sparkling 11-4-1 record and 23 points, begin a crucial five-game road trip looking to build on their league-best home performance. Meanwhile, the Blackhawks have surprised many with their 8-5-3 start, fueled by the exceptional play of Connor Bedard and their resurgence under new head coach Jeff Blashill.
This contest features plenty of storylines beyond the standings. The Devils are seeking to avenge their struggles on their previous road trip, where they managed just a 1-3-0 record. Chicago, on the other hand, returns to friendly confines after winning three consecutive games to close out a six-game road swing. With both teams boasting potent offenses and rising confidence, this Western Conference stop could set the tone for New Jersey’s extended journey away from home.
Devils look to shake off road struggles with New Jersey Devils at Chicago Blackhawks game preview
New Jersey’s recent road woes have been a source of frustration for head coach Sheldon Keefe and his squad. After dominating at home with a 7-0-1 record—the best home mark in the NHL—the Devils stumbled through their last road trip, collecting just two points from a possible eight. The difference between their home and away performances has become stark enough that Keefe made significant line changes ahead of Wednesday’s matchup.
“We didn’t like the way our last road trip went,” Keefe acknowledged. “It is a five-game stand on the road. We have to play better on the road. It’s a good opportunity for us to get that right.”
The Devils have shuffled their top two lines in search of offensive chemistry. Dawson Mercer now joins Jack Hughes and Arseny Gritsyuk on the top line, while Jesper Bratt teams up with Nico Hischier and Timo Meier on the second unit. Both lines had struggled to generate consistent scoring chances in recent games, prompting the coaching staff to mix things up.
“It’s been too long now that both those lines haven’t really connected offensively,” Keefe explained. “I think it’s time. A little bit of a different look for us.” The move signals the coaching staff’s willingness to experiment in pursuit of recapturing the offensive rhythm that propelled them to the top of the conference standings. Mercer emphasized the team’s focus on establishing zone time: “We’re very dangerous on the rush, but we want to make sure we create some O zone time and create those secondary opportunities where you may get some greasier goals.”
The Devils’ special teams have been particularly impressive lately, boasting an exceptional 91.7% success rate on the penalty kill over their last six games. That discipline will be crucial against a Blackhawks power play that’s clicking at 25.5%, seventh-best in the league. Between the pipes, Jacob Markstrom is expected to get the start after Jake Allen played in the team’s most recent overtime loss to the New York Islanders.
Bedard’s brilliance powers Blackhawks surge in New Jersey Devils at Chicago Blackhawks game preview
Connor Bedard has been nothing short of spectacular for Chicago, and his recent surge has the entire hockey world taking notice. The 2023 first overall pick enters Wednesday’s contest riding an eight-game point streak, during which he’s amassed an incredible 18 points—including seven goals and 11 assists. His 25 points through 16 games place him among the NHL’s elite scorers, a remarkable achievement for a player still in the early stages of his career.
Bedard has been held off the scoresheet just four times this season, a testament to his consistency and growing dominance. In Chicago’s most recent victory over Detroit, he recorded three points to extend his streak and briefly led the entire NHL in scoring. The young center has developed impressive chemistry with linemates Tyler Bertuzzi and Andre Burakovsky, forming one of the league’s most dangerous trios.
Bertuzzi himself has been on fire, recording six goals over his last three games and a hat trick performance against Vancouver that snapped Chicago’s three-game losing streak earlier in the month. The veteran winger has found renewed scoring touch playing alongside Bedard, and his physical presence adds another dimension to the Blackhawks’ attack. Burakovsky completes the line with four multi-point efforts in his past seven outings.
The Blackhawks’ supporting cast has also stepped up. Rookie defenseman Artyom Levshunov has points in three consecutive games and recorded his first multi-point NHL performance against New Jersey last season. Teuvo Teravainen provides secondary scoring from the second line, while Spencer Knight has been outstanding in net with a 6-3-2 record, 2.50 goals-against average, and .926 save percentage. Knight’s recent shutout against Calgary marked his first clean sheet as a Blackhawk and showcased the stellar goaltending that’s helped Chicago exceed early-season expectations.
Historical dominance shapes New Jersey Devils at Chicago Blackhawks game preview
The recent history between these franchises heavily favors New Jersey, which has won six consecutive games against Chicago dating back to December 2021. That winning streak ties the franchise’s longest against the Blackhawks, matching a run from December 1999 to November 2002. It currently stands as the Devils’ longest active winning streak against any opponent.
Last season’s two meetings both went New Jersey’s way, including a 4-1 victory at Prudential Center in December and a 5-3 win at the United Center in March. The Devils’ dominance in this series spans back even further—they’re 6-1-0 versus Chicago in their last seven matchups, suggesting a psychological edge that could factor into Wednesday’s contest.
Similar to their recent matchup against the San Jose Sharks, the Devils face a young, improving team looking to make a statement. Chicago’s rebuild has accelerated faster than many anticipated, thanks largely to Bedard’s brilliance and improved team defense. The Blackhawks allow just 2.50 goals per game, third-best in the NHL—a dramatic improvement from recent seasons.
However, that historical success means little to New Jersey’s current roster, which is dealing with a lengthy injury list. The Devils are without key contributors including Dougie Hamilton, Brett Pesce, Johnathan Kovacevic, Evgenii Dadonov, Connor Brown, and Marc McLaughlin. The blue line depth has been particularly tested, forcing Dennis Cholowski and Colton White into regular duties. Despite these absences, New Jersey has maintained its position atop the conference, a testament to the team’s depth and resilience.
For Chicago, the main injury concerns involve forwards Jason Dickinson and Frank Nazar, both of whom are expected to miss Wednesday’s game. Dickinson remains on injured reserve with an upper-body injury, while Nazar is day-to-day with a lower-body issue. These absences leave the Blackhawks with just 11 healthy forwards, though that hasn’t slowed their recent momentum. The team has adapted well to roster adversity all season.
Special teams and goaltending could decide New Jersey Devils at Chicago Blackhawks game preview
Wednesday night’s contest could ultimately be decided by which team executes better on special teams. Both clubs boast elite power plays, with New Jersey converting at 25.6% (sixth in the NHL) and Chicago at 25.5% (seventh). The Devils’ recent penalty-kill dominance—allowing just one goal on 12 shorthanded situations over six games—represents their best stretch of the season and could prove decisive.
The Blackhawks demonstrated their special-teams prowess in their last outing against Detroit, where they went a perfect 3-for-3 on the power play and 5-for-5 on the penalty kill. That comprehensive performance showcased Chicago’s growth in structured situations, an area where young teams often struggle. Bedard’s presence on the man advantage makes the Blackhawks particularly dangerous, as opponents must account for his shooting threat while respecting the passing options around him.
Between the pipes, Spencer Knight has emerged as a potential long-term solution for Chicago after arriving via trade from Florida at last season’s deadline. The 24-year-old netminder has posted Vezina-caliber numbers through his first 11 starts, and his recent shutout performance demonstrated his ability to dominate elite competition. Knight is 3-3-0 lifetime against New Jersey with a 2.82 goals-against average and .901 save percentage in six career appearances.
Jake Allen is likely to start for the Devils after Markstrom played Monday against the Islanders. The veteran backup has been excellent this season with a 6-2-0 record, 2.29 goals-against average, and .914 save percentage. Allen has historically performed well against Chicago, posting a 12-7-4 career record with a 2.35 goals-against average, .922 save percentage, and three shutouts in 23 appearances. His experience and steady presence could provide the Devils with the stability they need to navigate their injury challenges.
The goaltending matchup becomes particularly intriguing given both netminders’ recent form. Knight’s confidence is soaring after his shutout, while Allen has consistently given New Jersey quality starts when called upon. Whichever goaltender can make the timely save in a tight game may ultimately determine the outcome. Much like the Devils’ previous road challenge against Anaheim, goaltending consistency will be paramount for New Jersey’s success away from home.
Key factors to monitor in New Jersey Devils at Chicago Blackhawks game preview
Several critical elements will shape how this game unfolds. The Devils must find ways to generate secondary scoring with their injury-depleted lineup, particularly if the Blackhawks can contain their star centers Hughes and Hischier. Timo Meier’s recent uptick—four points in his last five games including two goals—suggests he may be heating up at the right time for New Jersey.
Chicago’s defensive corps, featuring rookies Sam Rinzel and Levshunov, will face a stern test against New Jersey’s skilled forwards. While both young defensemen have exceeded expectations, playing against Hughes and Bratt requires another level of focus and execution. The Blackhawks’ ability to limit odd-man rushes and transition opportunities will be crucial, as the Devils excel at turning turnovers into scoring chances.
Faceoff battles could also prove significant in determining possession and momentum. Chicago struggles in the dot at 47.3% (26th in the league), while New Jersey isn’t much better at 48.2% (22nd). The team that wins key draws, particularly in defensive zones during critical moments, may gain an important edge. Luke Glendening provides veteran faceoff expertise for the Devils, while the Blackhawks rely more on committee work.
The late start time—8:30 p.m. Central—could factor into both teams’ performance, particularly for New Jersey playing on Eastern time. The Devils must manage their energy and avoid a slow start against a Blackhawks team that’s won three straight and returns to the friendly confines of the United Center after two weeks on the road. Chicago’s home crowd will be energized to see Bedard and company continue their impressive run, creating a challenging atmosphere for the visiting Devils.
This matchup represents an important measuring stick for both franchises. The Devils need to prove they can win consistently away from Prudential Center if they hope to maintain their position atop the conference standings. Their five-game road trip will test their depth, resilience, and ability to adjust to different playing styles and environments. Success in Chicago would provide momentum heading into tough games against Washington and both Florida teams.
For the Blackhawks, Wednesday offers a chance to continue building on their surprising start and demonstrate that their recent success isn’t a fluke. Defeating a conference leader would validate their improved play and signal that Chicago’s rebuild is ahead of schedule. With Bedard playing at an elite level and Knight providing quality goaltending, the Blackhawks have the pieces in place to challenge for a playoff spot. A strong homestand to start November could propel them into genuine postseason contention and establish the United Center as a difficult place for opponents to play. This New Jersey Devils at Chicago Blackhawks game preview sets the stage for an exciting showdown between two teams trending upward, each seeking to prove something important about their season trajectory.
Par Mike Jonderson
Mike Jonderson is a passionate hockey analyst and expert in advanced NHL statistics. A former college player and mathematics graduate, he combines his understanding of the game with technical expertise to develop innovative predictive models and contribute to the evolution of modern hockey analytics.