Three games into the 2025–26 campaign, the New Jersey Devils are already showing the grit and determination that have made them one of the NHL’s most exciting young teams. Sitting at 2-1-0, the Devils have displayed flashes of the dynamic, high-tempo hockey fans expected — but they’ve also been hit by an early wave of injuries that’s testing their depth and resilience. Despite the challenges, the team is finding ways to win, with stars and newcomers alike stepping up to keep the momentum rolling.

Timo Meier has wasted no time finding his scoring touch, lighting the lamp in key moments, while Jesper Bratt continues to look every bit like the consistent offensive threat he’s become. The Devils’ defensive unit has also been steady, combining physicality and puck movement to limit high-danger chances. New additions Connor Brown and Arseny Gritsyuk have brought fresh energy and secondary scoring to the lineup, providing much-needed spark as the team navigates a challenging October schedule.

But even with so many positives, the conversation around Newark this week has focused on something every hockey team dreads: injuries.

Heading into the season, the Devils were already missing defenseman Johnny Kovacevic, who was expected to be out after sustaining an injury during last year’s playoff run. During the summer, Stefan Noesen, Seamus Casey, and Marc McLaughlin all suffered setbacks, trimming the team’s depth before the first puck even dropped. The roster that opened the season was competitive and balanced, but each subsequent game has come with a new blow to the lineup.

In the season opener, veteran forward Evgenii Dadonov exited with a fractured hand, forcing the Devils to shuffle lines and move Ondrej Palat back alongside Jack Hughes and Jesper Bratt. Shortly after, Zack MacEwen — who had impressed in limited preseason action after being acquired for Kurtis MacDermid — went down with an upper-body injury against Tampa Bay, one that head coach Sheldon Keefe suggested could keep him sidelined for a while.

Then came a scare between the pipes. Starting goaltender Jake Allen, who had looked brilliant through two periods in Columbus, didn’t return for the third due to cramping. Although the issue was minor, his replacement, Jacob Markstrom, suffered an injury of his own in the closing minutes — a lower-body issue expected to keep him out for several weeks.

That stretch left the Devils averaging an injury per game through their first week of play. While no one expects that rate to continue, it’s a concerning trend for a team hoping to avoid the goaltending carousel that derailed last season. Nico Daws is available in Utica but has struggled with consistency, and with Markstrom temporarily out, the Devils will lean heavily on Allen’s experience and reliability — assuming he stays healthy.

Even with the adversity, there’s plenty of reason for optimism. The Devils’ 3-1 win over the defending champion Florida Panthers on October 16 at Prudential Center was a statement performance, both on the ice and in the stands. In front of a sold-out crowd of 16,514, the team fed off the energy from start to finish. Jack Hughes, Timo Meier, and Nico Hischier each found the back of the net, while Allen stopped 29 shots to secure the win. Meier’s go-ahead goal midway through the third period electrified the building, breaking a 1-1 tie and swinging the momentum fully in New Jersey’s favor.

Florida, missing several key players of their own, managed only a single goal from Evan Rodrigues early in the first period. From there, the Devils’ penalty kill took over, successfully shutting down all five Panthers power plays — including a tense stretch late in the third after a controversial goaltender interference call erased what could have tied the game.

Beyond the action on the ice, the night at the Prudential Center reminded fans why attending a Devils home game is one of New Jersey’s best live experiences. The arena buzzed with energy, from the pregame light show to the final horn. While seating can be tight in some upper-level sections, sightlines remain excellent throughout the arena, and fans praised the raucous yet welcoming atmosphere. Located just steps from NJ Transit’s Penn Station, it’s one of the easiest NHL arenas to reach from both North Jersey and New York City.

For those planning to attend future games, consider arriving early to avoid entry delays due to security checks and ticket scanning. On-site parking can run upwards of $30, so taking public transportation or parking in nearby lots may save both time and money. The food selection is classic sports arena fare, but fans looking for a more elevated meal can find plenty of options in Newark’s Ironbound District — just a short walk from the arena — including some of the best Portuguese cuisine in the state.

Despite the early-season injury woes, the Devils are proving that they’re built to withstand adversity. The leadership core — Hughes, Hischier, and Meier — continues to set the tone, while depth players are rising to the occasion. If New Jersey can weather this storm and get healthy, they’ll be in prime position not just to compete, but to contend deep into the season.

For the latest updates, insights, and game recaps on the Devils’ season, visit Explore New Jersey’s New Jersey Devils coverage.