Jack Hughes, Kirill Kaprizov lead Devils-Wild showdown in Newark

The New Jersey Devils enter Wednesday night’s matchup riding the momentum of five consecutive victories, their best start to a season in recent memory. Standing in their way at the Prudential Center are the Minnesota Wild, who are looking to build on their recent victory over the New York Rangers and finish their five-game road trip on a high note. With the Devils sitting at 5-1-0 and the Wild at 3-3-1, this Eastern Conference versus Western Conference clash promises to deliver an intriguing tactical battle between two teams heading in opposite directions.

The timing of this game presents unique challenges for both squads. New Jersey faces the reality of playing their second game in as many nights, having just defeated the Toronto Maple Leafs 5-2 on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Minnesota arrives in Newark looking to capture consecutive road wins for the first time on this lengthy trip. The contrasting circumstances set the stage for a compelling Wednesday night showdown.

Jack Hughes and the Devils’ offensive explosion in the New Jersey Devils vs Minnesota Wild game preview

Jack Hughes has transformed into an absolute force over the past week, recording a hat trick against Toronto that brought his total to six goals in his last three games. The 23-year-old center now leads the Devils with nine points (six goals, three assists) through six games, showcasing the elite playmaking and scoring ability that makes him one of the league’s most dangerous forwards.

Hughes’ recent surge has elevated New Jersey’s entire offensive structure. His chemistry with linemates Ondrej Palat and Jesper Bratt has created mismatches against opposing defenses, with Bratt contributing seven assists to lead the team in that category. The top line has consistently generated high-danger scoring chances, and their ability to control possession has been instrumental in the Devils’ winning streak.

The challenge for Minnesota will be containing Hughes without overcommitting defensive resources. Wild head coach John Hynes knows the Devils’ system intimately from his time behind their bench, but Hughes has evolved significantly since those days. His speed, vision, and ability to create something from nothing make him a constant threat every time he touches the ice.

Beyond Hughes, the Devils have received balanced scoring throughout their lineup. Timo Meier and Dawson Mercer have each contributed five points, while Nico Hischier’s two-way play has anchored the second line. This depth scoring has been critical during New Jersey’s run, as opponents cannot focus solely on shutting down one line.

Kirill Kaprizov’s impact on the Wild’s offensive attack

On the opposite side, Kirill Kaprizov brings his own brand of elite talent to this matchup. The Russian winger has been equally impressive, matching Hughes with 10 points through seven games (five goals, five assists). Fresh off signing an eight-year, $136 million contract extension that begins next season, Kaprizov has proven why Minnesota invested so heavily in his services.

Kaprizov’s ability to create offense in tight spaces and his lethal shot from distance make him a nightmare for opposing defenses. He possesses exceptional edge work and puck protection skills that allow him to maintain possession in traffic and generate scoring chances seemingly at will. When linemates Joel Eriksson Ek and Matt Boldy are clicking alongside him, the Wild’s top line ranks among the most productive in the NHL.

The Devils will need to deploy their shutdown defensive pairing effectively to limit Kaprizov’s opportunities. Jonas Siegenthaler and Dougie Hamilton will likely draw the assignment of matching up against the Wild’s top unit. Hamilton’s reach and Siegenthaler’s physicality could prove crucial in disrupting Minnesota’s offensive rhythm.

Matt Boldy has emerged as the perfect complement to Kaprizov, recording 10 points of his own. The young American forward brings size and skill to the line, creating a dynamic duo that can overpower opponents with their combination of finesse and physicality. Their chemistry has been evident throughout the early season.

Goaltending storylines shape the New Jersey Devils vs Minnesota Wild game preview

Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of this matchup centers on the goaltending situation for New Jersey. With Jacob Markstrom still sidelined due to a lower-body injury, Jake Allen has carried the load admirably, winning three straight starts with a .931 save percentage. However, the back-to-back schedule means Nico Daws will make his season debut on Wednesday night.

Daws last appeared in an NHL regular season game on April 16, 2025, in the Devils’ season finale against Detroit. While that contest ended in defeat, the circumstances were far from ideal, with New Jersey dressing an NHL/AHL hybrid roster for a meaningless game. Daws finished last season with a 3-1-0 record in four starts, posting impressive numbers including a 1.60 goals-against average and a .939 save percentage, highlighted by a shutout against Nashville on February 23.

The 24-year-old netminder faces a significant test in his season debut. Coming off a long layoff and stepping into a high-pressure situation with the Devils’ winning streak on the line, Daws must find his rhythm quickly. The silver lining is that he’ll be playing behind a Devils team operating at peak performance, rather than the skeleton crew that dressed for his last outing.

For Minnesota, Filip Gustavsson is expected to get the start after Jesper Wallstedt played against the Rangers. Gustavsson has struggled early this season with a 2-3-0 record and an .899 save percentage, numbers that fall well short of his capabilities. The Wild need their Swedish netminder to rediscover the form that made him one of the league’s most improved goalies last season.

Special teams and tactical adjustments crucial to success

The Devils have thrived on special teams during their winning streak, capitalizing on opponent mistakes and converting power-play opportunities at crucial moments. Against Toronto, they scored on a power play that resulted from a failed goaltender interference challenge, demonstrating their ability to punish teams for tactical errors. Their power play unit features multiple threats, making it difficult for penalty killers to focus on any single option.

Minnesota’s penalty kill will need to be sharp to prevent New Jersey’s hot power play from extending their momentum. The Wild have had success on the road trip when staying disciplined, but any parade to the penalty box against a Devils team firing on all cylinders could prove disastrous.

Conversely, the Wild’s power play features Kaprizov as the primary weapon, with his one-timer from the left circle representing a constant threat. Marco Rossi, expected to return after missing the Rangers game with a lower-body injury, provides additional creativity and playmaking from the bumper position. His presence could give Minnesota’s man advantage the spark it needs.

At even strength, the Devils have controlled possession and territorial play throughout their winning streak. Their ability to transition quickly from defense to offense has caught opponents off guard, with Luke Hughes leading the rush from the back end and creating odd-man opportunities. Minnesota must match New Jersey’s pace and prevent clean exits from the defensive zone.

Depth and injury concerns affect both rosters

The Devils continue to navigate a lengthy injury list, though their recent success suggests they’ve found effective solutions. Stefan Noesen remains out following offseason surgery, while Evgenii Dadonov, Johnathan Kovacevic, and several others remain sidelined. Despite these absences, head coach Sheldon Keefe has maximized the roster at his disposal, getting contributions from unexpected sources like Arseny Gritsyuk and Brian Halonen.

Brenden Dillon’s goal against Toronto exemplified the Devils’ current magic, with the defensive-minded blueliner joining the rush and finishing a sequence that showcased New Jersey’s aggressive offensive approach. When depth players make such contributions, it indicates a team fully buying into the system and playing with confidence.

Minnesota’s injury situation includes the absence of Mats Zuccarello, a key veteran presence whose playmaking and experience are missed. Zach Bogosian was placed on injured reserve Tuesday, further depleting the Wild’s defensive depth. However, the return of Rossi provides a boost to their forward group and gives them another option down the middle.

The Wild have also seen young players like Danila Yurov step up during this challenging stretch. The rookie forward scored his first NHL goal in the victory over the Rangers, providing a game-winning moment that could prove pivotal for his confidence moving forward. Minnesota will need such contributions from their younger players to compensate for veteran absences.

Looking ahead: what this game means for both teams

For the Devils, extending their winning streak to six games would represent their best start since moving to New Jersey. More importantly, it would validate the improvements made during the offseason and demonstrate that this team can compete with anyone when operating at full capacity. A victory over a Western Conference opponent also carries importance for potential playoff tiebreaker scenarios down the road.

The psychological boost of winning while managing adversity—playing the second game of a back-to-back with a goaltender making his season debut—would further strengthen the team’s belief in their system and depth. These are the types of games that define successful seasons, where squads find ways to win despite less-than-ideal circumstances.

Minnesota views this contest as an opportunity to salvage a split on their road trip and return home with momentum. At 3-3-1, the Wild sit in the middle of the pack in the Central Division, still searching for consistency that has eluded them through the season’s opening weeks. A statement victory over one of the Eastern Conference’s hottest teams could provide the catalyst for their own extended run.

The final game of any lengthy road trip always presents challenges, as fatigue and homesickness can affect performance. However, the Wild have played well in recent outings despite the results, and they enter this matchup as a dangerous opponent capable of exploiting any Devils’ complacency. Puck drop is set for 7:00 PM ET at the Prudential Center, where New Jersey will look to keep their remarkable start rolling while Minnesota aims to play spoiler and head home with consecutive victories.