The New Jersey Devils arrive in Seattle on Sunday afternoon looking very much like a team that has rediscovered its identity. Winners of five of their last six games and unbeaten through the first three stops of a demanding Western road swing, the Devils enter Climate Pledge Arena playing their most connected hockey of the season. What began as a survival trip has turned into a statement opportunity, with New Jersey aiming to close the journey with a clean four-game sweep and a fourth straight victory away from home.
At 27-22-2, the Devils are quietly forcing their way back into the playoff conversation. The standings say sixth place in the Metropolitan Division, but the on-ice product tells a more encouraging story. New Jersey has been resilient, opportunistic, and increasingly comfortable playing tight, playoff-style games, particularly on the road, where they have emerged as one of the NHL’s most effective traveling teams.
This surge has been fueled by balance rather than reliance on a single star. While Jack Hughes continues to drive play and pace, his recent production has come primarily through playmaking, opening space for others to finish. Nico Hischier’s steady two-way dominance remains the backbone of the lineup, and Dougie Hamilton’s influence from the blue line has stabilized both the power play and the transition game. Yet the most unexpected catalyst has come from a youthful, energetic line featuring Cody Glass alongside rookies Arseny Gritsyuk and Lenni Hämeenaho, a trio that has provided scoring depth, speed, and a level of unpredictability opponents have struggled to contain.
That group was instrumental in Friday night’s dramatic 5-4 win over Vancouver, a game that showcased both the Devils’ progress and the lessons they are still learning. New Jersey controlled long stretches, built a multi-goal lead, and then had to manage late chaos as the Canucks pushed desperately with the net empty. Head coach Sheldon Keefe emphasized afterward that the takeaway was not panic but composure, noting that the Devils’ ability to protect leads has been nearly flawless this season. When leading after two periods, New Jersey remains perfect, a reflection of improved structure and maturity in high-pressure moments.
Seattle presents a very different challenge. The Kraken thrive on slowing the pace, limiting clean entries, and keeping opponents to the perimeter. When these teams met earlier this month in New Jersey, the game unfolded at a deliberate tempo, with little space through the neutral zone. The Devils escaped with a narrow victory then, but Keefe has stressed the need for quicker puck movement and sustained speed if New Jersey wants to dictate terms this time around.
Encouragingly, the Devils have shown more variety in their offensive approach during this trip. Goals have come off set plays, extended offensive-zone pressure, and quick-strike rush chances. That versatility will be essential against a Seattle team that is comfortable dragging games into low-event territory and leaning on disciplined defensive layers.
In goal, Jacob Markstrom gets the nod as New Jersey looks to maintain rhythm while managing a tight upcoming schedule. Markstrom has won four of his last five starts and has been reliable during the road trip, even as the coaching staff remains confident in Jake Allen’s ability to step in when called upon. The Devils’ goaltending tandem has been a quiet strength, particularly behind a defensive group that has tightened gaps and reduced high-danger chances.
Seattle, meanwhile, enters the matchup searching for consistency. The Kraken have experienced dramatic swings this season, from an early run of success to a mid-season slump, followed by a holiday surge that briefly re-energized their playoff hopes. Recently, however, they have cooled off again, dropping seven of their last nine games. Jordan Eberle continues to lead the way in goals, Matty Beniers remains the offensive engine, and goaltender Philipp Grubauer has enjoyed a bounce-back campaign, but the Kraken have struggled to generate sustained offense against structured teams.
History favors New Jersey in this matchup. The Devils have never lost to Seattle in regulation, and earlier this season they edged the Kraken 3-2 behind a two-goal performance from Hischier. That confidence, combined with their strong road record, sets the stage for a compelling afternoon test.
Beyond the immediate result, this game carries broader significance. New Jersey has clawed back into relevance by committing to process over spectacle, embracing defensive responsibility without sacrificing creativity. The road trip has reinforced that identity, and a win in Seattle would serve as both a reward and a warning to the rest of the league that the Devils are finding their stride at precisely the right time.
For fans tracking the team’s progress and playoff push, the evolving story of the New Jersey Devils continues to reflect a franchise blending emerging talent with hardened resolve. As the Devils prepare to drop the puck in Seattle, the message is clear: this is no longer a team simply trying to stay afloat. This is a group learning how to win, wherever the schedule takes them next.
