The New Jersey Devils are set to face the Toronto Maple Leafs, with a chance to extend their winning streak to five games, a feat they haven't accomplished in several years. The Devils are coming off a strong 5-3 victory against the Edmonton Oilers, marking their fourth consecutive win. This is their first four-game winning streak since January 2023, a notable achievement after enduring 201 games without such a streak.
The Devils' impressive run includes victories over both of last season's Stanley Cup Final teams, the Florida Panthers and the Edmonton Oilers, signaling their potential as serious contenders this season. Their recent success can be attributed to a balanced attack and effective special teams play. The team has showcased its ability to score shorthanded goals and capitalize on power play opportunities, demonstrating the chemistry within their new-look lineup. Offseason additions like Arseny Gritsyuk and Connor Brown have seamlessly integrated into the team, contributing to their depth scoring. Brown, in particular, has had a strong start with three goals in his first five games with New Jersey.
Leading the charge offensively is Jack Hughes, who scored twice in the win against Edmonton and has accumulated six points in five games. Jesper Bratt leads the team with seven points, while Nico Hischier has six points. Goaltender Jake Allen has also played a crucial role, stepping up in Jacob Markstrom's absence due to a lower-body injury and posting a .934 save percentage in three appearances.
Despite their winning streak, head coach Sheldon Keefe acknowledges the challenges the team has faced early in games. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining composure and trusting the process, even when facing adversity. "It's part of the process. You want to start fast and get to your game right away, but the other team is trying to do the same thing," Keefe said. "If it's not going your way early, don't panic or get consumed by the shot clock. Just trust the process. The best thing coming out of this stretch is the confidence this group has".
Meanwhile, the Toronto Maple Leafs enter the game with a 3-2-1 record and are looking to rebound from inconsistent results. The Maple Leafs are favored to win the game. The Maple Leafs' offense has been led by players like Nylander, Matthews and Tavares. However, the team has struggled with power play efficiency, sitting 25th overall in the NHL. Goaltender Anthony Stolarz has expressed his frustration with the team's inconsistent performance, emphasizing the need to play a full 60 minutes.
The Devils and Maple Leafs have a long history, with the Maple Leafs winning 89 of their 170 games played. The last time these two teams met was January 16, 2025, where the Maple Leafs secured a 4-3 overtime victory.
As the Devils prepare to face the Maple Leafs, they are focused on maintaining their momentum and achieving their first five-game winning streak in years. The game is scheduled for Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at 7 p.m. ET at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto.
