New Jersey Devils vs. San Jose Sharks Game Preview

The New Jersey Devils enter Friday night’s contest riding a wave of momentum that has catapulted them to the top of the Metropolitan Division standings. With a sparkling 6-1-0 record to open the 2025-26 season, the Devils welcome the San Jose Sharks to Prudential Center looking to extend their impressive six-game winning streak. Meanwhile, the Sharks arrive in Newark with a struggling 1-4-2 record but coming off their first victory of the campaign, a thrilling 6-5 overtime win against the New York Rangers on Thursday night.

This matchup represents a classic contrast in NHL fortunes, pitting one of the league’s hottest teams against a franchise in the early stages of rebuilding. The Devils have showcased the offensive firepower and defensive structure that made them playoff contenders, while San Jose continues to develop their young core centered around first overall pick Macklin Celebrini and fellow rookie Will Smith. As puck drop approaches at 7:00 PM ET, both teams have plenty to prove on this Friday evening.

New Jersey Devils seek seventh consecutive victory in game preview

The Devils’ remarkable start to the season has been built on balanced scoring and timely goaltending. Jesper Bratt leads the team with 11 points, including four goals and seven assists, while captain Jack Hughes has contributed six goals and nine points in just seven games. The offensive depth extends throughout the lineup, with Timo Meier and Dawson Mercer each notching seven points.

Head coach Sheldon Keefe faces his first significant injury challenge of the season with forward Cody Glass sidelined for an extended period. During Friday’s media availability, Keefe revealed that Glass would “miss some time” and that “it’s not a day-to-day situation.” The absence forces Mercer into a center role on the third line, a position he has played before but has been reluctant to occupy given his success alongside Nico Hischier. Despite any reservations, Mercer demonstrated his versatility with a two-assist performance against Minnesota earlier in the week.

The goaltending situation continues to evolve for New Jersey, with veteran Jake Allen getting the nod for his fourth start in five games. Allen has been exceptional, posting a 3-0-0 record with a 1.91 goals-against average and .931 save percentage. Jacob Markstrom, who has been dealing with a lower-body injury, participated in Friday’s morning skate and appears close to returning to action. According to The Hockey Writers, Markstrom will also skate in Saturday’s practice, signaling positive progress in his recovery.

Rising Russian winger Arseny Gritsyuk represents one of the most intriguing storylines for the Devils. After recording his first NHL goal against Minnesota, Gritsyuk now skates on the right wing alongside Meier and Hischier, providing him with elite linemates and increased scoring opportunities. His five points through seven games have validated the organization’s faith in his offensive abilities, and his promotion to the second line could unlock even greater production.

The Devils’ defensive corps remains solid despite injuries to Johnathan Kovacevic and others. The pairing of Luke Hughes and Brett Pesce provides offensive creativity from the back end, while veterans Jonas Siegenthaler and Dougie Hamilton anchor the second unit. Hamilton’s ability to quarterback the power play adds another dimension to New Jersey’s attack, helping the team generate consistent offensive pressure.

New Jersey’s success this season mirrors their six-game winning streak from October 25 to November 5 last season, tied for the franchise’s second-most wins in the modern era. The team has found ways to win in various situations, from high-scoring affairs to tight defensive battles, demonstrating the versatility that championship contenders require.

San Jose Sharks battle through adversity in game preview

The Sharks face an uphill battle as they continue their East Coast road swing, playing their third game in four nights. After dropping five consecutive games to start the season, San Jose finally broke through with Thursday’s overtime victory against the Rangers, a result that provided much-needed relief for a young roster still finding its identity.

Macklin Celebrini has lived up to his billing as the first overall selection, leading the Sharks with five goals and 11 points through seven games. The 18-year-old phenom has formed instant chemistry with fellow rookie Will Smith, who has contributed two goals and eight points. This dynamic duo represents the foundation of San Jose’s rebuild, and their accelerated development provides optimism for the franchise’s future despite current struggles.

Head coach Ryan Warsofsky made the decision to give prospect Michael Misa a “planned development day,” keeping him out of the lineup for Friday’s contest. According to NHL.com, defenseman Nick Leddy will miss both Friday’s game and Sunday’s matchup against Minnesota with an upper-body injury, though he’ll be re-evaluated upon returning to San Jose. Fellow blueliner John Klingberg could potentially return against the Wild as he recovers from a lower-body ailment.

In net, Yaroslav Askarov draws the start after Alex Nedeljkovic played Thursday against the Rangers. The young Russian netminder has struggled early, posting an 0-2-1 record with a 5.72 goals-against average and .838 save percentage. However, facing a team on a winning streak could paradoxically reduce pressure, allowing Askarov to play with greater freedom and confidence. His development remains crucial for San Jose’s long-term plans, even as the organization remains patient with his adjustment to NHL competition.

The Sharks’ forward depth features an interesting mix of veterans and youth. Tyler Toffoli skates alongside Celebrini and Smith on the top line, providing veteran presence and finishing ability. Jeff Skinner brings speed and scoring touch to the second unit, while former Devils forward Barclay Goodrow returns to face his old organization on the fourth line alongside Ty Dellandrea and Ryan Reaves.

San Jose’s defensive structure has shown improvement under Warsofsky’s system, though results haven’t always followed. The pairing of Dmitry Orlov, who leads the team with seven assists, and Timothy Liljegren provides mobility and puck-moving ability. Mario Ferraro anchors the top defensive pairing, tasked with shutting down opponent’s top lines while contributing offensively when opportunities arise.

The Sharks’ power play has generated chances but lacks consistent finishing, while their penalty kill has been tested frequently. Special teams often determine outcomes in games where one team holds a significant talent advantage, making these units critical for San Jose’s chances of pulling an upset.

Key matchups and strategic considerations for the New Jersey Devils vs San Jose Sharks game preview

The battle between Celebrini and Hughes promises to showcase two of the NHL’s most dynamic young centers. Hughes’ speed, vision, and playmaking ability contrast with Celebrini’s blend of size, skill, and hockey intelligence. While Hughes operates with superior linemates and supporting cast, Celebrini’s individual talents have allowed him to produce at a remarkable rate despite playing for a weaker overall team.

Goaltending represents the most significant disparity between these clubs. Allen’s stellar play has given New Jersey confidence and stability, allowing the team to take offensive chances knowing their netminder can bail them out when necessary. Conversely, Askarov needs to find his footing quickly, as early struggles can compound for young goaltenders facing high-powered offenses. His ability to weather the Devils’ offensive onslaught in the opening period could determine whether San Jose remains competitive throughout the game.

Special teams execution will likely play a decisive role in the outcome. The Devils’ power play, quarterbacked by Hamilton and featuring weapons like Hughes, Bratt, and Meier, has clicked at an efficient rate. San Jose’s penalty kill must remain disciplined and organized, limiting high-danger chances and clearing rebounds effectively. On the flip side, the Sharks need their power play to capitalize on any opportunities, as generating offense at even strength against New Jersey’s structured defense presents significant challenges.

Faceoff dominance could swing momentum in this contest. Hughes and Hischier give New Jersey advantages down the middle, controlling possession and dictating play in all three zones. San Jose’s centers must compete hard in the dot to provide their defensemen clean retrievals and limit extended shifts in their own zone. Winning faceoffs in the offensive zone becomes even more critical for the Sharks, as sustained pressure represents their best path to generating scoring chances.

The physical element shouldn’t be overlooked despite the perceived skill gap. San Jose’s bottom six, featuring players like Goodrow and Reaves, can impose themselves physically and potentially frustrate New Jersey’s skill players. The Devils must respond with composure, refusing to be drawn into a grinding, chippy affair that could disrupt their rhythm and structure.

Depth scoring could emerge as the difference-maker. While star players garner headlines, teams on winning streaks typically receive contributions throughout their lineup. Players like Paul Cotter, Stefan Noesen, and Connor Brown must continue providing energy and secondary offense for New Jersey. For San Jose, their middle-six forwards need to generate production beyond what Celebrini and Smith provide, spreading the defensive responsibility and preventing the Devils from focusing exclusively on their top line.

What this game means for both teams moving forward

For the Devils, extending their winning streak to seven games would match their longest run from last season and provide additional confidence heading into Sunday’s matinee against the Colorado Avalanche. More importantly, banking points early in the season creates cushion for inevitable rough patches that every team experiences over an 82-game campaign. New Jersey’s hot start has validated Keefe’s systems and approach while demonstrating the roster’s potential when healthy and firing on all cylinders.

The Devils’ upcoming schedule includes their first West Coast road trip of the season, a four-game swing that will test their ability to maintain momentum away from home. Building confidence with another home victory before that challenging stretch could prove invaluable for team morale and standings position.

For San Jose, this game represents an opportunity to build on Thursday’s emotional victory and establish some momentum of their own. While few expect the Sharks to contend for a playoff spot, developing winning habits and competitive fire in young players like Celebrini, Smith, and Askarov remains paramount. Moral victories hold limited value, but competing hard against superior opponents teaches lessons that pay dividends later in development cycles.

The Sharks return to California on Sunday to face Minnesota, closing out their road trip before returning home. Avoiding a demoralizing loss in New Jersey would help maintain the positive feelings from their Rangers victory and prevent frustration from seeping into their locker room during this challenging early-season schedule.

As these two teams prepare for puck drop at Prudential Center, the Devils aim to continue their march up the standings while the Sharks seek to prove their first win wasn’t a fluke. The contrast in circumstances makes for compelling theater, with New Jersey looking to extend their excellence and San Jose hoping to showcase the foundation of their rebuild. With playoff implications already beginning to take shape in late October, every point matters, making this Friday night showdown between the Devils and Sharks more significant than the records might suggest.