The New Jersey Devils (8-2-0) are set to face the San Jose Sharks (2-6-2) tonight, October 30, 2025, at the SAP Center with puck drop scheduled for 10 p.m. EDT. Coming off a decisive 8–4 loss to the Colorado Avalanche on October 28, New Jersey is eager to shake off the defeat that ended their impressive eight-game winning streak and return to dominant form against a struggling Sharks squad.
This is the second and final meeting between the two teams this season, with the Devils having claimed a 3–1 victory in their first encounter. Despite San Jose’s challenges, including a porous defense and inexperience, the matchup could be more competitive than expected due to New Jersey’s ongoing injury concerns, particularly on the blue line.
The Devils’ injury list remains extensive. Brett Pesce (upper body) is expected to be out for at least a month, while Cody Glass and Zack MacEwen, also dealing with upper-body injuries, were recently placed on injured reserve. Johnathan Kovacevic (knee) and Evgenii Dadonov (hand) remain sidelined, with Kovacevic on long-term injured reserve. These absences have placed extra pressure on the remaining defensive corps and goaltending, requiring the team to rely heavily on depth players and strategic matchups.
Goaltender Jake Allen is expected to start against the Sharks after a series of dominant performances this season. Allen boasts a .923 save percentage and a 1.93 goals-against average, stepping up while Jacob Markstrom recovers from injury. Markstrom returned to the lineup for the last game but struggled, adding uncertainty to his ongoing contract discussions. Rookie Nico Daws was reassigned to the Utica Comets following Markstrom’s return, reinforcing the team’s commitment to veteran stability in net.
Offensively, Jack Hughes has been in exceptional form, recording 14 points (9 goals, 5 assists) in his last 10 games, and will be a key player to watch. Jesper Bratt, with 12 points (4 goals, 8 assists) over the same span, rounds out a potent scoring line that has kept New Jersey competitive even amid injuries. The Devils’ balanced attack, combined with aggressive forechecking and quick transitions, should test San Jose’s defensive depth and challenge goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic, whose .875 save percentage indicates vulnerability against a high-powered offense.
The Sharks, led by 2024 No. 1 overall draft pick Macklin Celebrini, have shown flashes of brilliance despite their record. Celebrini is riding a five-game point streak, contributing 16 points (6 goals, 10 assists) in 10 games, while William Eklund adds another 10 points (4 goals, 6 assists) in the same period. San Jose will need a near-perfect defensive performance and strong goaltending from Nedeljkovic to contain the Devils’ offensive firepower.
Tonight’s matchup also carries strategic implications for both teams. The Devils aim to reestablish momentum before entering a crucial stretch of games, while the Sharks seek their first regulation win and a confidence boost for a young, developing roster. Given the offensive firepower on display and the Devils’ depth despite injuries, the game has the potential for a high-scoring, fast-paced contest. Betting markets favor New Jersey heavily, with a roughly 70% implied win probability and an over/under total goals line set at 6.5, reflecting expectations for an entertaining and dynamic matchup.
As the Devils take the ice at the SAP Center, eyes will be on Hughes and Bratt to continue their scoring streaks, while Allen’s performance in net will be critical for establishing defensive stability. For Sharks fans, Celebrini and Eklund represent the best opportunity to challenge New Jersey and turn a difficult season around.
My Break Down:
Team comparison
| Team | Record | Recent Performance | Key Player to Watch | Goaltending | Key Injuries |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Devils | 8-2-0 | Coming off an 8–4 loss to the Avalanche. Won the previous eight games. | Jack Hughes: Has 8 points (6 goals, 2 assists) in his last five games. | Jake Allen: Expected to start after a strong performance against the Sharks in their last matchup. | Brett Pesce (upper body, month), Cody Glass (upper body, IR), Zack MacEwen (upper body, IR), Johnathan Kovacevic (lower body, LTIR). |
| Sharks | 2-6-2 | Still looking for their first regulation win. Lost their last game 4–3 to the Kings. | Macklin Celebrini: No. 1 overall pick in 2024, has a five-game point streak. | Alex Nedeljkovic: Expected to start. | Adam Gaudette (upper body). |
For the Devils vs. Sharks game on October 30, 2025, the key players are Jack Hughes and Jake Allen for the New Jersey Devils, and Macklin Celebrini and William Eklund for the San Jose Sharks.
Key players for the New Jersey Devils
| Player | Position | Reason to watch |
|---|---|---|
| Jack Hughes | Center | The Devils’ top point scorer with 14 points (9 goals, 5 assists) in his last 10 games. He leads the team in goals and has been in excellent offensive form. |
| Jake Allen | Goaltender | Expected to get the start and has been playing dominantly, with a 1.93 goals against average and a .923 save percentage. He also performed well against the Sharks in their last matchup. |
| Jesper Bratt | Winger | A strong offensive contributor with 12 points (4 goals, 8 assists) in his last 10 games. |
Key players for the San Jose Sharks
| Player | Position | Reason to watch |
|---|---|---|
| Macklin Celebrini | Center | The number one overall draft pick in 2024, he leads the Sharks in points with 16 (6 goals, 10 assists) in 10 games and is on a five-game point streak. |
| William Eklund | Forward | Another strong offensive player who has produced 10 points (4 goals, 6 assists) in his last 10 games. |
| Alex Nedeljkovic | Goaltender | Expected to be the starting goalie, he has a .875 save percentage and will be under pressure facing a high-scoring Devils team. |
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