New Jersey Devils vs Montreal Canadiens game preview: lineup changes and key returns

The New Jersey Devils return to the friendly confines of Prudential Center for a marquee Thursday night matchup against the surging Montreal Canadiens. Both teams enter this contest with impressive 9-3-1 and 9-4-0 records respectively, making this early-season showdown a legitimate measuring-stick game between two of the Eastern Conference’s most exciting teams. The Devils will look to shake off a disappointing 1-3-0 road trip through Colorado and California, while the Canadiens arrive riding a wave of momentum despite a shootout loss in their last outing.

This game carries added significance for New Jersey, who have been unbeatable at home this season with a perfect 5-0-0 record at Prudential Center. The Devils will also welcome back center Cody Glass from a seven-game absence due to an upper-body injury, a return that could provide the lineup stability that head coach Sheldon Keefe has been seeking since the team’s eight-game winning streak came to an end.

New Jersey Devils vs Montreal Canadiens game preview: lineup changes and key returns

The most significant storyline for the Devils heading into this New Jersey Devils vs Montreal Canadiens game preview is the return of Cody Glass to the lineup. After missing seven games with what he described as a “weird injury” that “popped out of nowhere,” Glass participated in morning skate and declared himself “100 percent” and ready to contribute without limitations. His return creates a ripple effect throughout the lineup that addresses several concerns that emerged during the recent road struggles.

Glass slots back into his natural third-line center position, which allows Dawson Mercer to return to the wing alongside captain Nico Hischier and Timo Meier. This reunites the combination that was so effective during the Devils’ winning streak. Additionally, rookie Arseny Gritsyuk moves down to the third line, removing some of the defensive burden from his shoulders and allowing him to focus on his offensive development.

Head coach Sheldon Keefe emphasized the importance of Glass’s presence in the lineup: “It’s very important. It gives us that third center. We were using him in some tough matchup situations. That’s important for us. It allows us to put Mercer back on the wing. We like how that slots everybody in.” The expected lineup features Stefan Noesen, Jack Hughes, and Jesper Bratt on the top line, with the second line of Meier, Hischier, and Mercer providing secondary scoring punch.

Jacob Markstrom is expected to get the start in goal after Jake Allen played in the previous game against Anaheim. The Devils’ defensive pairings will feature Jonas Siegenthaler with Dougie Hamilton, Brenden Dillon with Luke Hughes, and Dennis Cholowski with Simon Nemec. The team also recalled defenseman Colton White after sending Seamus Casey down to Utica, providing additional depth options.

Connor Brown remains day-to-day with an undisclosed injury after participating in Wednesday’s practice. His potential return would provide another boost to the lineup, though his status for Thursday night will be determined after morning skate. Similar to other game preparations for the Devils this season, managing the injury situation has been crucial to maintaining competitive performance.

New Jersey Devils vs Montreal Canadiens game preview: scouting the red-hot Canadiens

The Montreal Canadiens have been one of the NHL’s biggest surprises in the early going, sitting tied for second place in the entire league standings. Their 9-3-1 record is built on a foundation of speed, skill, and clutch overtime performance. What makes Montreal particularly dangerous is their ability to win tight games, with nearly half of their contests (six of 13) going to extra time. They’ve won five games in overtime and lost one in a shootout, demonstrating exceptional 3-on-3 play.

Captain Nick Suzuki leads the charge for the Canadiens and enters this contest on an extraordinary 12-game point streak. Suzuki has recorded points in every game except Montreal’s season opener and leads the NHL with 16 assists to go along with three goals for 19 total points. His playmaking ability and two-way reliability make him the engine that drives everything Montreal does offensively.

Cole Caufield provides the finishing touch to Suzuki’s setups, entering the game tied with Jack Hughes and Nathan MacKinnon for the NHL lead with 10 goals. The tandem of Suzuki and Caufield, along with power forward Juraj Slafkovsky on the top line, gives Montreal one of the most potent offensive combinations in hockey. Their chemistry and ability to generate high-danger chances will test the Devils’ defensive structure.

Perhaps the most intriguing storyline involves Russian rookie Ivan Demidov, who is tied for first in NHL rookie scoring with 10 points. Demidov was once teammates with Devils rookie Arseny Gritsyuk in the KHL, adding an interesting personal connection to this matchup. Glass offered this assessment of the Canadiens: “It’s a team that’s been together for a while. They’ve always had skill, but I think they’re playing a strong defensive game as well. They don’t give up a lot. They’re really good. They have a good D corp. A lot of skill, a lot of young guys, a lot of speed. It’s going to be a very good game, I think.”

Montreal’s most recent game showcased both their offensive firepower and defensive vulnerability. After falling behind 3-0 to Philadelphia in the first period, the Canadiens exploded for four goals in less than 13 minutes during the second period before eventually losing in a shootout. This ability to score in bunches means the Devils cannot afford to take their foot off the gas at any point.

New Jersey Devils vs Montreal Canadiens game preview: Devils seeking home comfort after road struggles

The Devils’ recent four-game road trip exposed some vulnerabilities that need addressing. After opening the trip with a respectable performance in a loss to Colorado, New Jersey managed just one win in four games against Los Angeles, sandwiched between losses to San Jose and Anaheim. The team collected only two of a possible eight points, a stark contrast to the dominant form displayed during their eight-game winning streak.

However, context matters when evaluating this stretch. The Devils have been dealing with significant injuries throughout the lineup, including long-term absences for Brett Pesce, Evgeny Dadonov, and Johnathan Kovacevic. The loss of Glass further disrupted the forward lines, forcing Keefe to shuffle combinations and ask players to perform in unfamiliar roles. The struggles in California, particularly in the final game against Anaheim where they fell 4-1, appeared to be the product of accumulated fatigue and lineup disruption rather than fundamental flaws.

What should provide comfort for Devils fans is the team’s pristine 5-0-0 home record at Prudential Center. Playing in front of their fans in Newark has brought out the best in New Jersey, with strong starts and disciplined play characterizing their home performances. The familiarity of their own building, combined with Glass’s return stabilizing the lineup, could be exactly what the Devils need to rediscover their winning formula.

Individual performances have remained strong even during the team’s road struggles. Jack Hughes continues his torrid pace with 10 goals and six assists for 16 points through 13 games, tying him with Caufield and Nathan MacKinnon for the league lead in goals. Hughes scored his 10th goal in the loss to Anaheim, extending his hot start and proving once again why he’s considered one of the NHL’s elite offensive talents.

Dawson Mercer has been equally impressive with a four-game point streak that includes six points on four goals and two assists. Mercer’s back-to-back two-goal performances against San Jose and Los Angeles demonstrated his ability to be a game-breaker. With eight goals and six assists for 14 points in 13 games, Mercer is building on last season’s breakout and establishing himself as a legitimate top-six threat. His return to the wing on Hischier’s line could unlock even more offensive production.

The Devils’ power play will face a significant test against Montreal’s penalty kill. New Jersey has converted on several power-play opportunities during their strong start, but discipline will be crucial against a Canadiens team that thrives on transition opportunities. Similarly, the Devils’ penalty kill, which has performed admirably for most of the season, must contain Suzuki and Caufield when shorthanded.

New Jersey Devils vs Montreal Canadiens game preview: special teams and goaltending battle

Special teams could ultimately decide this New Jersey Devils vs Montreal Canadiens game preview matchup. Both teams possess offensive firepower that can change games quickly on the power play, while their penalty kills have shown varying levels of consistency. The Devils’ power play has been effective when their top unit gets clean zone entries and establishes possession, featuring the shooting threat of Hughes, the playmaking of Bratt, and the net-front presence of Hischier.

Montreal’s power play revolves around Suzuki’s vision and Caufield’s lethal release. The Canadiens’ ability to move the puck quickly and create cross-ice seam passes has generated numerous high-danger chances this season. The Devils must be disciplined and avoid giving Montreal extended looks with the man advantage, as the Canadiens have shown they can score in bunches when given opportunities.

The goaltending matchup features Jacob Markstrom for New Jersey, who has been solid if unspectacular during the Devils’ early-season run. Markstrom’s experience and calm demeanor make him an ideal choice for a measuring-stick game against a high-powered offense. His ability to make the first save and control rebounds will be tested by Montreal’s aggressive forecheck and willingness to crash the net.

Defensive zone coverage will be paramount for both teams. The Devils must track Montreal’s dangerous forwards through the neutral zone and prevent odd-man rushes that could exploit any gaps in coverage. Conversely, New Jersey will look to generate offense through quick transitions, using Hughes and Bratt’s speed to attack before Montreal’s defense can get set. The battle between the Devils’ skill and the Canadiens’ speed promises to produce an up-tempo, entertaining contest.

Special attention must be paid to faceoff performance, an area where both Hischier and Suzuki excel. Winning draws in the defensive zone will be crucial for changing and avoiding extended shifts in dangerous areas, while offensive zone faceoff wins can lead directly to scoring chances. The Devils’ depth at center, now bolstered by Glass’s return, gives them multiple options for different matchup situations throughout the game.

New Jersey Devils vs Montreal Canadiens game preview: historical context and provincial connections

The recent history between these franchises favors New Jersey significantly. The Devils posted a perfect 3-0-0 record against Montreal last season and carry a 5-1-0 mark against the Canadiens dating back to the 2023-24 campaign. This sustained success suggests the Devils have found a formula for neutralizing Montreal’s speed and offensive creativity, though the Canadiens’ improved play this season means past results offer limited predictive value.

An interesting geographical note adds flavor to this matchup. Thursday’s game features two of only three players currently in the NHL from the province of Newfoundland. Devils forward Dawson Mercer hails from Carbonear, Newfoundland, while Montreal’s Alex Newhook is from St. John’s. The only other Newfoundland-born player in the league is Chicago’s Ryan Greene from Paradise. This shared provincial connection adds a personal dimension to what is already a compelling on-ice rivalry.

Individual milestone watch includes Nico Hischier, who sits just one point shy of tying Mark Streit (434) for fifth-most points scored by a Swiss-born player in NHL history. Given Hischier’s consistent production and his reunited line with Meier and Mercer, he has an excellent chance to reach this milestone in front of the home crowd. Such achievements underscore the captain’s importance to the franchise and his steady development into one of the league’s premier two-way centers.

The Devils’s approach to this game will likely mirror successful strategies from earlier in the season when they dominated home opponents. Establishing an early lead and dictating tempo has been New Jersey’s recipe for success at Prudential Center. The coaching staff will emphasize playing a full 60 minutes, something that eluded them during portions of the road trip when they allowed opponents to dictate play.

According to NHL.com’s official game preview, the Devils recognize Montreal’s dangerous overtime record and understand the importance of settling matters in regulation. With the Canadiens having won five games in overtime already this season, extending this game to 3-on-3 hockey could favor Montreal’s speed and skill in open ice. New Jersey will look to use their home-ice advantage to impose their will early and build a lead they can protect.

The broader implications of this game extend beyond two points in the standings. For the Devils, proving they can bounce back from a disappointing road trip against quality opposition would reinforce that their early success is sustainable. A strong performance would also validate the roster construction and depth that general manager Tom Fitzgerald assembled during the offseason. Conversely, Montreal has an opportunity to make a statement that their hot start is legitimate by winning in a hostile environment against a team that has dominated them recently.

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This clash between two of the Eastern Conference’s most exciting teams promises high-intensity hockey with playoff-level implications despite the early calendar date. The Devils need to leverage their perfect home record and Glass’s return to reestablish the dominant form that characterized their winning streak. Montreal will counter with their overtime prowess and the scoring threats of Suzuki and Caufield.

Puck drop is set for 7:00 PM EST at Prudential Center, with coverage available on MSGSN, TSN2, and RDS. The outcome could provide an early indication of which team has the substance to sustain their strong start over the long NHL season. For the Devils, protecting home ice against a surging opponent would send a clear message that their Stanley Cup aspirations are built on a solid foundation. For Montreal, stealing points on the road against a quality opponent would confirm they belong among the conference’s elite contenders.