The New Jersey Devils will complete a three-game homestand on Sunday as they host the Colorado Avalanche at Prudential Center. This game marks the first in a home-and-home series between the two teams, with the next meeting scheduled for Tuesday in Denver.
After an opening loss to Carolina, the Devils have responded by winning seven straight games, their longest such streak since 2022. They have recently defeated Tampa Bay, Columbus, Florida, Edmonton, Toronto, Minnesota and San Jose. Despite dealing with several injuries and lineup changes, contributions from across the roster have helped maintain their momentum.
The Devils currently hold a 7-1-0 record and are undefeated at home this season (4-0-0). They have also been effective when leading after two periods, going 6-0-0 in those situations. Their power play has scored in six consecutive games with eight total goals during that stretch. Notably, defensemen have recorded game-winning goals in three straight games for the first time in franchise history. Goaltender Jake Allen is off to a strong start with a 4-0-0 record.
In their most recent game against San Jose, Dougie Hamilton stood out by scoring two power-play goals and adding an assist for three points.
On the other side, Colorado arrives after suffering its first regulation loss of the season on Saturday night in Boston. The Avalanche lost 3-2 to the Bruins. Scott Wedgewood started that game in goal for Colorado; Trent Miner is expected to be in net against New Jersey on Sunday.
For Colorado, Artturi Lehkonen has been productive recently with two goals against Boston and seven points over his last seven games.
Both teams are managing injuries. The Devils are without Glass (upper-body), Dadonov (hand), Kovacevic (knee), McLaughlin (undisclosed), Lammikko (lower body), MacEwen (upper body) and Markstrom (lower body). The Avalanche list Girard (upper-body), Kiviranta (lower-body), O’Connor (hip) and Blackwood (lower-body) as unavailable.
Jack Hughes leads New Jersey with six goals while Jesper Bratt tops assists with seven and points with eleven. For Colorado, Nathan MacKinnon leads both goals and assists categories alongside Necas and Makar respectively; MacKinnon also leads overall points with thirteen.
“This club has gotten contributions from everyone despite the injury bug creeping up on them and constant lineup shuffling,” according to team sources.
