- The Matchup: New Jersey Devils (25-22-2) @ Edmonton Oilers (25-17-8)
- The Time: 10:00 pm EST
- The Broadcast: TNT, Devils Hockey Radio
Last Devils Game
Late Monday night (on the East Coast) the Devils defeated the Calgary Flames 2-1. The teams went scoreless in the period until Dawson Mercer added his 13th goal of the season at 7:51 of the 2nd period. Dougie Hamilton continued showing why he should have been benched earlier this season, and put up another assist. Apparently accountability does make some people play better. Who knew?
In typical Devils fashion, Calgary tied the game up less than 2 minutes later on a goal from Nazem Kadri, his 9th of the season with a helper from our old pal Kevin Bahl. The teams would again go scoreless in the 3rd period. Simon “I’m the only clutch scorer on the team” Nemec did what he does best, and scored a goal when the team needed it to give the Devils the 2-1 win in OT.
Yes, it was the 28th place in the league Calgary Flames, but Jacob Markstrom did his job, so credit where credit is due. A win is a win, so the Devils will take the 2 points and move on.
Last Oilers Game
On Sunday, the Oilers defeated the St. Louis Blues 5-0 at home. The win wrapped up a very successful weekend for the Oilers, which saw them win back to back games on Saturday and Sunday with back to back shut out wins; 6-0 against Vancouver and 5-0 against St. Louis. In their last 3 games, Edmonton has only allowed 1 goal, and scored 11. Yes, it’s not news to most NHL fans, but the Oilers can score goals. Must be nice.
The Oilers scored 3 goals in the first period, to pretty much wrap the game up early against St. Louis. Edmonton added 2 more “insurance” goals in the 2nd and 3rd, and pretty much coasted to a victory. Honestly, looking at the box score, I forgot teams can win with a shut out. Connor McDavid didn’t score, but the freak of nature had 2 assists on the night to bring his assist total for the season up to 55. Must be nice.
Connor Ingram got the win on Sunday, and I would assume that Tristan Jarry will get the start tonight. The shut out against St. Louis brings the season total for Edmonton to 5 shut outs on the season so far. Must be nice.
It would be nice if the Devils could have as many shutouts as the Oilers. However, considering the Devils have scored 41 less goals than the Oilers this season (170 vs 129), it doesn’t really matter if you get the shut out from your goalies, when you can’t put the puck in the other team’s net. You see what I did there? Because the Devils like to put the puck in their own net. Get it?
Injuries, Roster for Tonight, Yada, Yada, Yada.
Last night, Jacob Markstrom started his 4th game in a row (yes, you read that right). One would assume that he got the start last night so that Jake Allen would get the back to back start tonight against Edmonton. As I’ve said before though, if this season has taught anyone anything, it’s that who knows what can happen. I HIGHLY doubt Markstrom starts his 5th game in a row and plays on back to back nights, but I also didn’t think in October that a game against the Flames in late January would be considered a “must win” game, yet, here we are.
It’s been a while since the Devils had an injury, but it looks like the bug is back folks. Luke Hughs left the game early last night and did not return. Per Amanda Stein, he will miss the rest of the road trip and possibly longer. One would assume that Johnathan Kovacevic will take his spot tonight.
Grimace’s Prediction and 2025-2026 Record Tracker
Grimace has decided to throw his hat back in the ring tonight and make a prediction again. You’re not going to like it though. He has predicted a 5-0 Edmonton win tonight. You heard it here first.
Grimace’s 2025-2026 Season Prediction record currently stands at 12-10-0.
Your Take
The Devils did defeat Edmonton back on October 18th, during the 8 game win streak (remember that?). However, the differences between THAT Devils team and THIS Devils team are so massive, they might as well have different names. As always, I would love for the Devils to win again tonight, and finally get their season back on track. Realistically, I think we’re going to be treated to a show by the best player in the NHL. Feel free to leave your thoughts and comments below and thanks for reading!
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