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It’s Time for Devils to Make One Crucial Power Play Change
The New Jersey Devils’ power play sits at an 18.8% conversion rate (24th in the NHL) after 20 games, but it drops to 12.7% when you strip out two outlier wins. The article argues the fix is simple: move veteran defenseman Dougie Hamilton to quarterback the first PP unit instead of Luke Hughes. Hamilton shoots 58% more often (13.5 vs 8.6 shots per 60 min), generates 44% more scoring chances and 86% more expected goals, and his hard‑shot clocks in at 94.8 mph versus Hughes’ 93 mph. Team‑wide PP metrics show Hamilton‑led units produce 9.63 goals per 60 min versus 8.22 with Hughes. The piece makes a data‑driven case for swapping the QB to spark a more effective power play.
Devils vs. Capitals (Nov. 14): Running It Back, Projected Lines
The New Jersey Devils head to Washington on Nov. 14 for a chance to sweep the home‑and‑home after a 5‑2 win on Nov. 12. Connor Hellebuyck, riding a franchise‑record seven straight victories, is confirmed as the starter. The Devils sit second in the Metropolitan (14‑6‑0) and are 8‑2‑0 in their last ten, while the Capitals (10‑7‑0) hold a 7‑4‑0 home record. New injuries include defenseman Johnathan Kovacevic (ankle) and the possible return of Brett Pesce from illness; rookie Anton Silaev may debut. Projected lineups feature the Devils’ top six forwards—Hughes, Bratt, Meier, Hischier, and Noesen—and a right‑shot pair anchored by Dougie Hamilton, while the Capitals likely start Logan Thompson and field Ovechkin on the fourth line.
Devils Daily: Silaev Up, Karlsson to Canes? Teams Call on Michkov
The Devils place defenseman Johnathan Kovacevic on IR (ankle) retroactive to Nov. 10, clearing a spot to recall 20‑year‑old Anton Silaev from Utica. Silaev, a 2024 first‑round pick, joins the roster for the Saturday game in Washington, though his debut hinges on Brett Pesce’s health. Meanwhile, league chatter from Pierre LeBrun suggests the Carolina Hurricanes could pursue Erik Karlsson if Pittsburgh opens his market, and several teams have inquired about Matvei Michkov. The Avalanche recall Gavin Brindley as Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar sit out with injuries, and the Blackhawks snap a six‑game skid with a 3‑2 OT win over Buffalo.
Devils’ Kovacevic to IR: What to Expect From Anton Silaev
The New Jersey Devils placed defenseman Johnathan Kovacevic on injured reserve after an ankle injury sustained on Nov. 10 against the Winnipeg Jets, making him ineligible until at least Nov. 17. In his stead, the team recalled 20‑year‑old Anton Silaev from the AHL’s Utica Comets for a potential NHL debut against the Washington Capitals on Saturday. Silaev, a 6‑foot‑7 left‑shot drafted 10th overall in 2024, has impressed in the AHL with a +8 rating, four assists and strong defensive play, though his puck handling is still developing. The move also shuffles cap space, as the Devils placed Seamus Casey on long‑term IR. Kovacevic, in the second year of a five‑year, $20 million contract, has logged two assists in 13 games this season.
Devils Daily: Call-Ups Deliver, Johnson Blasts Trade Requests, Quinn Hughes
The Devils overcome a rash of injuries—Brett Pesce (ill), Johnathan Kovacevic (lower‑body) and Anthony Mantha (LTIR)—by fielding three fresh call‑ups who all score in a 5‑2 win over Washington on Nov. 13. Lenni Hameenaho nets his first goal, rookie Vladislav Kolyachonok scores the game‑winner 6:27 into the third, and Stefan Noesen adds insurance as Jack Hughes pads the tally. New Jersey improves to 14‑6‑0 and heads back to D.C. Saturday. The roundup also notes MacKinnon and Makar exiting Colorado’s OT loss, Quinn Hughes’ pending contract talk, and Detroit’s blown three‑goal lead.
Devils 5, Capitals 2 (Nov. 12): Every Call-Up Scores | Recap
The New Jersey Devils edged the Washington Capitals 5-2 on Nov. 12, with all three call‑ups scoring. Defenseman Vladislav Kolyachonok, recalled from Utica, netted the game‑winner at 6:27 of the third period, his first goal of the season. Rookie Lenni Hämeenaho also scored his first of the year, and Jack Hughes added an empty‑netter for his 10th. Connor Hellebuyck posted 26 saves for New Jersey, while Logan Thompson had 24 for Washington. The win lifts the Devils to 14‑6‑0, snapping a 4‑2 loss in Winnipeg, and the Capitals fall to 10‑7‑0. The teams will complete the home‑and‑home series on Nov. 14 in Washington.
Devils’ Hellebuyck & the Trade Requests an Ex-NHLer Blasts
Former Avalanche defenseman Erik Johnson blasted NHL players who request trades mid‑contract, citing Connor Hellebuyck’s recent move to the New Jersey Devils as a prime example. Hellebuyck, who signed a seven‑year, $59.1 million extension with Winnipeg in 2023, asked for a trade after the Jets missed the playoffs, was suspended, and was dealt to the Devils on Oct. 23 for Dawson Mercer, Nick Bjugstad, goalie Nico Daws, rights to Alexander Command, a 2029 second‑rounder and a 2027 seventh‑round pick. Since the trade, the Devils are 7‑2‑0, with Hellebuyck posting a 5‑0‑0 record, 1.96 GAA and .913 SV%, while the team’s overall save percentage improves to .895.
Devils’ Kovacevic Update Raises Concern; Pesce Out vs. Caps
The Devils enter Thursday’s home game against Washington without defensemen Johnathan Kovacevic and Brett Pesce. Coach Sheldon Keefe says Kovacekovic’s lower‑body injury, possibly a knee setback, isn’t a day‑to‑day situation, while Pesce is ill. To fill the gap, prospect Vladislav Kolyachonok is called up from Utica as the sixth defenseman. The lineup also sees Amadeus Lombardi as a healthy scratch and the recall of Stefan Noesen and Lenni Hameenaho after Anthony Mantha was placed on long‑term IR. New Jersey sits 13‑6‑0 overall, second in the Metro, and aims to extend its home winning streak at Prudential Center.
Devils vs. Capitals (Nov. 12): Home & Home, Projected Lines
The New Jersey Devils host the Washington Capitals Thursday, Nov. 12 at 7 p.m. ET in a back‑to‑back series. New Jersey (13‑6‑0, 26 points) sits second in the Metro and is 8‑2‑0 at home, while Washington (10‑6‑0, 20 points) comes off two straight wins and a 7‑3‑0 run in its last ten. Key updates: Anthony Mantha lands on long‑term IR with a throat injury, Johnathan Kovacevic is day‑to‑day, and Connor Hellebuyck is expected to reclaim the net after sitting out in Winnipeg. The Capitals’ projected starter is Logan Thompson, and Alex Ovechkin has logged just one goal in 16 games of his farewell season. Projected lineups and power‑play units are detailed for both squads.
Devils Daily: Injuries Begin, Michkov Drama, Rakell Trade Rumor
The Devils face a busy roster shuffle ahead of a home‑and‑home series with the Washington Capitals. Anthony Mantha lands on long‑term injured reserve (throat injury) retroactive to Nov. 7, while Lenni Hameenaho and Stefan Noesen are recalled from Utica and Riley Tufte is loaned back. Defenseman Johnathan Kovacevic left the loss in Winnipeg early and is awaiting imaging. New Jersey’s special‑teams woes—0‑for‑4 on the power play and two goals allowed on four penalty kills—highlight the urgency of a healthy right‑side blueline. Meanwhile, league‑wide talk includes the Flyers insisting Matvei Michkov stays, a possible Rickard Rakell trade blocked by his no‑trade clause, and other Metro‑area updates.
Devils Daily: Hellebuyck Boos, Mercer Payback, Hawks Selling
Connor Hellebuyck sits out the Jets’ 4-2 win over the New Jersey Devils, yet still gets booed in Winnipeg. The Devils, with Jake Allen in net, claw back from a 2‑0 deficit thanks to two quick goals, but a too‑many‑men penalty leads to Dawson Mercer’s power‑play tally – his second of the night and revenge against the team he was traded to for Hellebuyck. Nico Daws also wins in net, ending Winnipeg’s five‑game streak. Upcoming: Devils face the Capitals Thursday (Nov. 12, 7 PM ET). The post also notes Blackhawks trade chatter, Barkov and Marchand’s upcoming returns, and a Detroit comparison to Hasek/Joseph’s goaltending saga.
Jets 4, Devils 2 (Nov. 10): Mercer Burns Former Team | Recap
The Winnipeg Jets snap New Jersey’s five‑game streak with a 4‑2 win on Nov. 10, thanks to Dawson Mercer’s power‑play winner after a too‑many‑men penalty. Mercer scored first and again late in the third, while Kyle Connor added two goals, including the empty‑net filler. The Devils, shorthanded by a surprise decision to sit Connor Hellebuyck, went 0‑for‑4 on the power play and were outshot 25‑21. Jake Allen posted 21 saves for New Jersey, who fall to 13‑6‑0 before hosting the Washington Capitals on Nov. 12.
Jets Scott Arniel Wants Closure. The Devils Don’t Owe Him One
Jets coach Scott Arniel hopes Tuesday’s game against New Jersey finally ends the lingering Hellebuyck saga. The Devils kept the former Winnipeg starter out, starting Jake Allen, while Arniel stresses the trade—Hellebuyck for Dawson Mercer, Nico Daws, Nick Bjugstad, a 2026 first‑rounder and future picks—was settled and the Devils aren’t obligated to give fans closure. Winnipeg, now 7‑8‑3, seeks a win to stay competitive, while New Jersey sits 13‑5‑0 in the Metro, four points behind Carolina. Arniel says the only thing that matters is beating the Devils, not a symbolic night for fans. The matchup also pits Allen, who’s 6‑3‑0 this season, against a Jets offense riding a three‑game streak.
Devils Daily: Tufte Up, Edvinsson Standoff, Nemec Spotlight
The Devils enter Tuesday’s road game at Winnipeg with a 13-5-0 record, but a starkly different statistical profile from last year’s near‑collapse. They now dominate 5‑on‑5 expected goals (55.2%), lead the league in shots per game (33.7), yet sit 29th in penalty killing (67.6%). A 6‑foot‑6 Riley Tufte is recalled from Utica after Anthony Mantha’s high‑stick injury, avoiding a costly cap hit from Stefan Noesen. Meanwhile, the trade chatter includes Detroit’s Simon Edvinsson saga, Calgary’s former Devil Simon Nemec emerging as a top‑pair defenseman, and Patrice Bergeron’s Hall‑of‑Fame induction.
Devils Recall Riley Tufte From Utica; Noesen Avoidance Explained
The New Jersey Devils recall 28‑year‑old forward Riley Tufte from the Utica Comets after an injury to Anthony Mantha, adding depth with an $850,000 cap‑hit. Tufte, who notched 32 goals and 56 points in 64 AHL games for Providence last season, has struggled early in Utica (2 assists, –6 rating in nine games) but offers a cheap alternative to Stefan Noesen, whose $2.75 million cap charge would push the Devils over the limit. The move gives the Devils a roster spot while staying under the salary‑cap ceiling.
Devils’ 13-5-0 Start Looks Like Last Year’s. It Isn’t the Same
The New Jersey Devils sit 13-5-0 with 26 points after a 4-0 win over Toronto, mirroring last season’s early record but with a very different foundation. This year the team dominates 5-on-5 play, holding 55.2% of expected goals and 56.9% of shot attempts – ranks fourth and second league‑wide – and leads with 33.7 shots per game while limiting opponents to 24.8. In contrast, the 2025‑26 squad relied on a hot power play (25.5%) and strong goaltending; its 5-on-5 metrics were sub‑average. The Devils’ special teams have slipped, now 29th in penalty killing (67.6%) and 24th in power‑play efficiency (19.3%). New goalie Connor Hellebuyck (5-0, .913 SV%) and improved shooting have propelled the team, but sustained 5-on-5 dominance will be the test.
Devils Daily: Shocking Hellebuyck Decision, Meier’s Pair, Caps Week
The Devils sit newly‑acquired goalie Connor Hellebuyck for Tuesday’s game in Winnipeg despite his 4‑0 shutout of Toronto on Sunday, a move Coach Sheldon Keefe says protects the team’s chances against the Capitals later in the week. Hellebuyck posted 23 saves for his 350th career win, while Timo Meier scored twice in the same shutout, pushing New Jersey to a fifth straight victory (13‑5‑0). The decision draws criticism for its optics but prioritizes conditioning and win probability ahead of the crucial Thursday and Saturday matchups with Washington, who hold a three‑game lead in the Metro. Additional notes include Chicago waiving Arvid Soderblom and Cale Makar’s precautionary sit‑out for Colorado.
Devils Sit Connor Hellebuyck in Winnipeg: Why It Makes Sense
The New Jersey Devils sit on an eight‑point lead over division rival Washington but risk a swing if they lose two crucial games on Thursday and Saturday. General manager Sunny Mehta announced that star goaltender Connor Hellebuyck will sit out Tuesday’s win‑less 4‑0 shutout of Toronto, citing conditioning and the need to preserve his health for the Capitals series. Hellebuyck boasts a .923 save percentage against Washington and a 5‑0‑0 record with the Devils, making him the logical choice for the high‑stakes matchups. Coach Sheldon Keefe stresses that resting him after three starts in six nights keeps him fresh for the pivotal back‑to‑back games that could decide the Metropolitan Division lead.
Devils 4, Maple Leafs 0 (Nov. 8): Meier Scores Twice | Recap
Timo Meier finally breaks his goal drought, netting two times in four minutes as the New Jersey Devils blank the Toronto Maple Leafs 4-0 on Nov. 8 at Scotiabank Arena. Meier’s 8:28 snap‑shot and 12:44 tip‑in, assisted by Declan Chisholm, Jack Hughes and Jesper Bratt, set the tone, while Nico Hischier adds a third in the third period. Connor Hellebuyck records his first shutout with 21 saves, and Connor Brown caps the win with an empty‑net tally. The win marks the Devils’ fifth straight victory.
Inside the Devils Fan Movement That ‘Turned Heads’ on Long Island
A group of 219 New Jersey Devils fans, organized by 23‑year‑old social media guru Justin Brady, turned Section 118 into a sea of red at the UBS Arena for the Devils’ overtime win over the New York Islanders on Nov. 8, 2026. After a 3:30 PM tailgate and shuttle ride, the fans sparked a deafening chant that caught the attention of broadcasters, coach Sheldon Keefe, and players. Jack Hughes capped the comeback with his third overtime winner, pointing to the fans in gratitude. The group also got a post‑game ice photo and high‑fives from GM Sunny Mehta, while Islanders staff helped secure the sold‑out seats. Brady’s months‑long coordination turned a historic road win into a memorable fan experience.
Devils vs. Maple Leafs (Nov. 8): Four Straight W’s, Projected Lines
The New Jersey Devils head to Toronto on Nov. 8 for a 7 p.m. ET showdown with the Maple Leafs after a dramatic 5-4 OT comeback over the Islanders. The Devils (12‑5‑0, 24 points) sit second in the Metro, riding an eight‑of‑nine win streak, while Toronto (8‑8‑2, 18 points) sits seventh in the Atlantic after a 4‑2 loss to Montreal. Projected lineups feature Luke Hughes, Jack Hughes and Dougie Hamilton for New Jersey, and Auston Matthews, William Nylander and John Tavares for Toronto. Goalies Connor Hellebuyck (expected) and Anthony Stolarz start, though injuries keep Morgan Rielly’s availability in doubt. Both teams are finishing a back‑to‑back, with the Devils traveling and the Leafs staying home.
Devils Daily: Jack’s OT Breakaway, Larkin-Edvinsson, Malkin
The New Jersey Devils snap a 6‑0 loss at UBS Arena by rallying from a 4‑2 deficit to win 5‑4 in overtime, thanks to Jack Hughes’ breakaway goal 1:18 into OT on a Luke Hughes feed. Luke Evangelista and Dougie Hamilton also scored in the third, and goaltender Jonathan Allen posted 19 saves. The victory marks the Devils’ fourth straight win (12‑5‑0) as they head to Toronto for a Sunday night matchup. The post also notes trade chatter involving Detroit’s Dylan Larkin and Simon Edvinsson, a potential NHL discipline for Tom Wilson, and other league‑wide rumors.
Devils 5, Islanders 4 (OT, Nov. 7): Rivalry Intensifies on Long Island | Recap
In a gritty Metropolitan Division showdown at UBS Arena, the New Jersey Devils edged the New York Islanders 5‑4 in overtime on Nov. 7. Anthony Duclair opened scoring for the Islanders, but the Devils rallied with goals from Declan Chisholm, Luke Evangelista and a power‑play marker by Dougie Hamilton. Jack Hughes sealed the win with a breakaway overtime goal, giving New Jersey its fourth straight victory. Jake Allen recorded 19 saves for the Devils, while Ilya Sorokin posted 45 saves in a losing effort for the Islanders.
Devils vs. Islanders (Nov. 7): Payback for 6-0, Projected Lines
The New Jersey Devils head to UBS Arena on Nov. 7 to face the New York Islanders, seeking payback after a 6-0 loss in their first meeting on Oct. 3. Coming off a 5-4 OT win over St. Louis, the Devils (11-5-0) sit second in the Metro, while the Islanders (7-6-2) have dropped two straight regulation games. Projected lineups show a possible Jake Allen start, though recent trade acquisition Connor Hellebuyck boasts a 4-0 record with a 2.44 GAA. The Islanders line up Ilya Sorokin in goal and debut Ben Hutton on defense, with Barzal and Maccelli sidelined. Both teams clash at 7 p.m. ET, a pivotal game before the Devils’ back‑to‑back in Toronto.
Devils Daily: Too Cool, Concern Meter, Kucherov Spots
The Devils rally from a 4‑1 third‑period deficit to beat the St. Louis Blues 5‑4 in overtime on Thursday, with Jesper Bratt scoring the winning breakaway. Coach Sheldon Keefe critiques the team’s “too cool” mindset and raises the league’s instigator rule after Timo Meier racked up 17 penalty minutes defending Nico Hischier. The Concern‑O‑Meter returns, marking solid third‑period lead protection (Medium) but a weak penalty kill (High, 67.6%). Anthony Mantha shines with five goals on 3.19 xG since moving down the lineup. Upcoming: Devils face the Islanders Saturday at 7 PM ET at UBS Arena.
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