- The Matchup: New Jersey Devils @ Toronto Maple Leafs
- The Time: 7:00pm EST
- The Broadcast: MSG, Devils Hockey Radio
Last Devils Game
On Saturday afternoon, the Devils won their 4th game in row, defeating the Edmonton Oilers by a score of 5-3. Yes, for the first time since 2023, the Devils won 4 games in row. Yes, I can’t believe it either. It was a fantastic game. Jesper Bratt had a goal and an assist. Connor Brown had a gorgeous short handed goal against his former team. Nico “El Capitan” Hischier had 2 assists, and “everyone’s” favorite whipping boy Jack Hughes put up 2 beautiful goals and an assist. Even the actual whipping boy,
Dawson Mercer put up a goal. Back to back wins against the 2 teams that were in the Stanley Cup finals last year AND their first 4 game win streak of the season. What more could one ask for?
Last Toronto Maple Leafs Game
The Toronto Maple Leafs lost in OT against the Seattle Kraken on Saturday. While they currently sit at 3rd place in the Atlantic division with a record of 3-2-1, they will look to come out strong tonight to get back into the win column and continue their current undefeated win streak against their former coach Sheldon Keefe, who has yet to beat his old team as the coach of the Devils.
Sheldon Keefe Will Have His Revenge on Seattle Toronto
Sheldon Keefe spent 5 seasons as the coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs from 2019/20 to 2023/24 before becoming the head coach of the New Jersey Devils last year. The Devils played the Maple Leafs 3 times last season, losing all 3 games. As of tonight, Keefe is still looking for his first win as a head coach against his former team. Will tonight be the night where he finally gets his “revenge” win? Players and coaches may use cliche expressions such as “it’s just another game we need to focus on and get a win” or “it’s no different from any other game”, but make no mistake, Keefe wants to beat his former team. The fact that he went 0-3 against them last season AND if they win tonight it will also mean a 5 game win streak should be ALL the motivation he (and the team) needs to come out strong.
The Return of Stefan Noesen
After 3 games in a row of losing players to injury, the Devils finally played 2 games in a row without anyone new getting hurt. Devils Nation rejoice! All praise Grimace.
While Stefan Noesen appears to be close to finally playing a game, his return will have to wait until at least tomorrow. Per Amanda Stein, he will not be playing tonight.
Jake Allen to Start Tonight
Per Amanda Stein yesterday after practice, Jake Allen is expected to start tonight. Jake Allen has been stellar so far this season and while you could make an argument of who should play which game of the back to back, I see no issues with Allen starting tonight and Daws playing tomorrow.
Grimace’s Prediction and 2025-2026 Record Tracker
Grimace is finally in a good mood again. He’s happy he is undefeated on the season with his predictions. He’s happy that the Devils Nation is happy. He’s happy with the 4 game win streak. He is not happy that Keefe is 0-3 against his former team. For that reason, I’m out, he predicts the Devils will win their 5th game in a row tonight and Keefe will finally defeat his former team.
Grimace’s 2025-2026 Season Prediction record currently stands at 4-0-0.
Your Take
While the good times will not last forever, and the win streak will need to end at some point, I’d like to see it last a little longer. I believe the team is feeling good right now, as they should. Things seem to be clicking in all areas, and there should be no lack of motivation to start on time tonight. Feel free to leave your thoughts and comments below and thanks for reading!
