- The Matchup: Boston Bruins (37-23-6) @ New Jersey Devils (33-31-2)
- The Time: 7:00 pm EST
- The Broadcast: ESPN, Devils Hockey Radio
Last Devils Game
On Saturday night the Devils defeated the Kings 6-4. It was the Devils first win after losing their last 2 games in a row. After Jacob Markstrom started 7 games in a row for the Devils, (why, just why Sheldon “I hope you’ll be out of a job soon” Keefe?) Jake Allen finally got some game action. There was a rumor going around that Jake Allen was so surprised, that he had to remember where he left his goalie equipment, since it’s been so long since he used it.
The Devils went up 2-0 in the first period,
on goals by Cody Glass and Nico Hischier, less than 4 minutes apart. However, in “classic” Devils style, the Kings scored 3 unanswered goals in the 2nd period in less than 10 minutes, to send the game to the 3rd period with the Kings up 3-2. The Devils were able to score 4 goals in the 3rd period, including a second goal on the night from Nico and a goal from Jack Hughes, to put the game away 6-4. It’s nice to see the Devils scoring some goals again, I just wish it was not when all the pressure was off, because the season was already unofficially over, yet again.
Last Bruins Game
On Saturday, the Bruins beat the Washington Capitals by a score of 3-2 in the skills contest. The two teams went scoreless in the first period, but exchanged goals in the 2nd period, with Matt Roy scoring for Washington and Charlie McAvoy scoring for Boston. In the third period, the teams exchanged goals again, with Rasmus Sandin scoring for Washington and McAvoy scoring again for Boston, with an assist from our old friend, Pavel Zacha. After the game could not be decided in overtime, the contest went to a shootout. The two teams went scoreless in the shootout, into round number 9, when Fraser Minten finally put one in the net, and sealed the victory for Boston.
Jeremy Swayman started in net for Boston, his third game in a row, and earning his 2nd victory in his last 3 games. Boston has been having a bit of a rough stretch lately, with only 5 wins in their last 10 games. However they still sit a comfortable 14 games over .500 and in the first wild card spot in the Eastern Conference. Swayman has a spectacular record of 26-14-3, with a 2.79 GAA along with a .906 SV %. Boston has lost numerous big name players in recent years, but they still keep finding ways to win.
Injuries, Roster for Tonight, Yada, Yada, Yada.
Barring any injuries or some more weird decisions by Sheldon Keefe, the Devils will probably ice the same lineup tonight as they did on Saturday. At the same time, who knows. Maybe Keefe will decide to start Allen for 7 games in a row. At this point, who cares, and nothing surprises me anymore.
Grimace’s Prediction and 2025-2026 Record Tracker
Grimace, unlike the Devils, finally got back in the win column with his last prediction. However, he still sits sadly below .500 for the season. He’s decided to forfeit the rest of the year, and to just start playing golf early. Hopefully in 2026-2027 he will have a winning record. A disappointing first year for Grimace, but, hey, what can you do?
Grimace’s 2025-2026 Season Prediction record currently stands at 13-14-0.
Your Take
If it’s not already painfully obvious, I’ve found it very difficult to be excited about anything that’s happened with this team for the past few months. The win against the Rangers was great to see, but at the same time, so what? The Devils are, for all intents and purposes, playing out the season. I’m at a loss. I wish I could say they can use the remaining games to plan for next year, but I also know what the definition of insanity is. Feel free to leave your thoughts and comments below and thanks for reading!
In a shameless bit of non hockey related self promotion (approved by Chris – thanks Chris), I wanted to plug my brand new podcast on here, if any of you are interested in listening. We have a light hearted, fun discussion about any movies, music or video games mostly from the 1980s and 1990s. Please feel free to listen to us on any of the formats below and any feedback is welcome (positive and negative). Also, please follow us and subscribe, even if you think we stink. 🙂
