As the NHL season heats up, the New Jersey Devils (15-7-1) travel to KeyBank Center in Buffalo today to take on the Sabres (9-10-4) at 4:00 p.m. ET, in what promises to be a crucial matchup for maintaining their position atop the Eastern Conference. Fans can catch the action on MSG and MSG-B, with the game serving as an opportunity for the Devils to extend their two-game winning streak after consecutive tight victories over the Detroit Red Wings and St. Louis Blues.
Despite strong home success, the Devils have struggled on the road this season, posting a 6-7-0 record. The team will have to contend with several key absences. Forward Evgenii Dadonov will miss an extended period due to an undisclosed injury sustained earlier this week, marking his second significant setback of the season after a previous hand fracture sidelined him for 17 games. Center Jack Hughes remains out as well, following finger surgery in early November, with an expected eight-week recovery. The Devils will lean on leaders like Nico Hischier and Timo Meier to step up offensively; both have been producing consistently in Hughes’ absence, continuing multi-point and multi-goal streaks that have kept New Jersey competitive.
Defenseman Simon Nemec has been instrumental in recent wins, including scoring the overtime winner against St. Louis, demonstrating the depth and resilience of the Devils’ roster. The team has also maintained a strong commitment to community engagement, highlighted by participation in the league-wide Hockey Fights Cancer initiative. In one touching moment, the Devils honored a seven-year-old cancer survivor with a one-day contract, including him in practice, a precursor to their official Hockey Fights Cancer Night scheduled for November 29.
Off-ice challenges continue to spark debate regarding player performance and contracts. Ondrej Palat, a veteran winger, has struggled significantly this season. His five-year, $30 million deal, signed in July 2022, has come under scrutiny as his production has declined sharply. After posting just 23 points in a season marred by injuries and declining output in subsequent years, Palat’s performance through the first 23 games of 2025-26 is particularly concerning, with only two points recorded. Analysts and fans alike argue that his spot in the lineup may be limiting opportunities for younger or more productive players, raising questions about team strategy as the Devils push for playoff positioning.
The Devils’ matchup against the Sabres is a test of resilience, depth, and adaptability. Philadelphia and New Jersey may not be directly involved today, but monitoring the performance of key roster players and managing injuries will play a critical role in sustaining momentum. With the Eastern Conference tightly contested, every road win counts, and the Devils will need a balanced effort from forwards, defensemen, and special teams to secure a victory in Buffalo.
For fans wanting comprehensive coverage of the Devils’ season, player updates, and game analysis, Explore New Jersey’s New Jersey Devils section provides up-to-date news, statistics, and insights into one of the NHL’s most compelling teams.
The Devils face a pivotal afternoon in Buffalo, balancing the challenge of an inconsistent road record, ongoing injuries, and the pressure to maintain their Eastern Conference lead. Success today will depend on timely scoring, disciplined defense, and the ability of both emerging stars and veterans to contribute at a high level, ensuring that New Jersey remains a force to be reckoned with as the season progresses.
