The New Jersey Devils, boasting a stellar 7-1-0 record, are set to conclude their three-game homestand against the formidable Colorado Avalanche (5-1-3) at the Prudential Center today. This afternoon's matchup marks the first of a home-and-home series, with the Devils scheduled to visit Denver on Tuesday.

The Devils are riding a franchise-best, early-season, seven-game winning streak, showcasing their dominant form. Their latest victory came against the San Jose Sharks, with Dougie Hamilton leading the charge with two power-play goals and an assist. New Jersey has been firing on all cylinders to start the 2025-26 season. After dropping their first contest in Carolina, they've rattled off seven in a row — five of those six against teams who finished in the top 12 of last season's standings.

Meanwhile, the Avalanche are coming off a 3-2 defeat against the Boston Bruins, their first regulation loss of the season. Goalie Scott Wedgewood started against the Bruins, suggesting that Trent Miner will likely be in net for Colorado against the Devils. Despite the recent setback, the Avalanche hold the top record in the Central Division.

Keys to the Game:

• Special Teams: The Devils' power play has been a major strength, with goals in the last six games, totaling eight. Their power-play conversion rate of 32.00% ranks third in the league. In contrast, the Avalanche's power play has struggled, operating at a 10.81% success rate, placing them 30th in the NHL.

• Defense: New Jersey has allowed a league-low 19 goals this season. Colorado's defense is also strong, ranking fourth in the league.

• Goaltending: Jake Allen is 4-0-0 to start the season for the Devils. With Miner likely starting for the Avalanche, the Devils may have an advantage in net.

Players to Watch:

• Devils: Jesper Bratt (4 goals, 7 assists) and Jack Hughes (6 goals, 4 assists) lead the team in points. Dougie Hamilton is coming off a three-point performance.
• Avalanche: Nathan MacKinnon (6 goals, 7 assists) and Martin Necas (6 goals, 6 assists) are the Avalanche's top scorers. Artturi Lehkonen scored two goals against Boston.

Injury Updates:

• Devils: Several players are sidelined with injuries, including Glass (upper-body), Dadonov (hand), Kovacevic (knee), McLaughlin (undisclosed), Lammikko (lower body), MacEwen (upper body), and Markstrom (lower body).
• Avalanche: Girard (upper-body), Kiviranta (lower-body), O'Connor (hip) and Blackwood (lower-body) are currently injured.

The Devils are 4-0-0 at home this season and 6-0-0 when leading after two periods. The Avalanche will need to tighten up on the man-advantage, manage their defensive gaps and rely on their top players to deliver. Given the home edge and recent form, the Devils are favored in what is expected to be a tight, competitive game.