After a thrilling 4-3 overtime victory against the Montreal Canadiens, the New Jersey Devils return home to face another Eastern Conference powerhouse, the Pittsburgh Penguins, at the Prudential Center in Newark. This Sunday matinee matchup kicks off at 12:30 p.m. EST and will be broadcast on MSGSN and ESPN+, giving fans nationwide a chance to watch two of the Metropolitan Division’s top teams clash.
Both teams are sitting near the top of the Eastern Conference standings, making this the first of four meetings this season between the Devils and Penguins a critical early-season test. New Jersey enters the game with an impressive 10-4-0 record, maintaining a perfect 6-0-0 home mark, while Pittsburgh is right behind at 9-4-2, coming off an emotional win over a divisional rival.
Offensively, the matchup is evenly poised. The Devils lead the league with a 35.9% power play, while scoring 3.6 goals per game—fifth-best in the NHL. The Penguins are close behind with 3.57 goals per game and a 27% power play, ranking sixth in the league. Shots per game and shooting percentages are comparable, setting the stage for a fast-paced, high-scoring contest.
Offensive comparison
| Statistic | New Jersey Devils | Pittsburgh Penguins |
|---|---|---|
| Goals | 3.6 (5th) | 3.57 (T6th) |
| Power Play % | 35.9% (1st) | 27.0% (6th) |
| Shots per Game | 27.6 (20th) | 28.9 (12th) |
| Shooting % | 13.04% (5th) | 12.4% (T7th) |
Key factors for the game
- Injury impact: Both teams are hit hard by injuries. The Devils will be without top defenseman Dougie Hamilton, putting pressure on their defensive depth. The Penguins are missing key players like Rickard Rakell and Tristan Jarry.
- Devils’ undefeated home record: The Devils are a perfect 6-0-0 at the Prudential Center this season. Continuing this home dominance will be a priority against a strong divisional opponent.
- Goaltending matchup: With Tristan Jarry out, the Penguins will likely rely on rookie Sergei Murashov, who will be making his NHL debut. This puts the spotlight on the Devils’ offense to test the unproven netminder early.
- Special teams battle: New Jersey’s power play is the best in the league at a blistering 35.9%, which could exploit the Penguins’ penalty kill.
- Forward firepower: Despite injuries, both teams still possess elite offensive talent. For the Devils, Jack Hughes has been a major offensive driver. The Penguins have veterans Sidney Crosby and Bryan Rust, with rookie Ben Kindel providing a recent offensive spark.
Injuries will play a key role in Sunday’s game. The Devils will be without top defenseman Dougie Hamilton, putting pressure on their defensive depth and relying on players like Jonas Siegenthaler and David Nemec to step up despite mixed early-season performances. The Penguins, meanwhile, are missing Rickard Rakell and starting goalie Tristan Jarry, which likely means rookie Sergei Murashov will get his NHL debut. This adds a compelling storyline as the Devils’ potent offense looks to challenge the untested netminder early.
Key players on both sides will be in the spotlight. For New Jersey, Jack Hughes continues to drive the offense, while Jesper Bratt recently sealed the overtime victory against Montreal. The Penguins will lean on seasoned stars Sidney Crosby and Bryan Rust, with rookie Ben Kindel providing additional offensive sparks. Special teams will also be crucial, as New Jersey’s league-leading power play could exploit Pittsburgh’s penalty kill vulnerabilities.
Sunday’s game follows a dramatic performance from Thursday’s matchup against Montreal, where Timo Meier tied the game late and Bratt scored the decisive goal in overtime. Fans can expect another high-energy contest with playoff-style intensity, despite early-season injuries affecting both rosters.
With home-ice advantage on their side, the Devils will aim to extend their unbeaten record at the Prudential Center while continuing to assert themselves as a top contender in the Eastern Conference. This matchup is more than just a regular-season game—it’s a statement for both clubs as they jockey for positioning in a competitive division.
For New Jersey hockey fans, updates, highlights, and in-depth coverage of the Devils’ ongoing season can be found at Explore New Jersey Devils, providing everything you need to stay connected with the team’s journey through the 2025-26 campaign.
Sunday promises fast-paced action, star-studded offensive displays, and high drama as the Devils host the Penguins in a matchup that could define the early Eastern Conference hierarchy.
