After a challenging stretch on the road, the New Jersey Devils returned home with renewed focus, edging out the Detroit Red Wings 4-3 on Monday night at Prudential Center. The win snapped a three-game losing streak and marked the Devils’ 14th victory of the 2025-2026 NHL season. With momentum restored, the team looks ahead to a busy home week, beginning with Wednesday’s matchup against the St. Louis Blues. For fans tracking the latest team developments, injuries, and upcoming games, Explore New Jersey’s Devils coverage offers comprehensive insight and analysis.
Monday’s contest was defined by its intensity and balanced scoring, with multiple players stepping up to share the offensive load. Timo Meier, Nico Hischier, and Connor Brown each recorded a goal and an assist, showcasing the team’s depth and versatility. Goaltender Jacob Markstrom faced a heavy workload, stopping 32 of 35 shots, providing the backbone for the team’s hard-fought win. The victory demonstrated that even without star forward Jack Hughes in the lineup, the Devils have the pieces to compete and deliver under pressure.
Hughes, recovering from a finger injury sustained in a team dinner incident in Chicago on November 13, remains sidelined. He underwent successful surgery on November 15 and is expected to return around mid-January, pending a six-week re-evaluation. Prior to the injury, Hughes had tallied 10 goals and 10 assists in 17 games, underlining his pivotal role in the Devils’ offense. His absence has shifted responsibilities onto players like Hischier and Dawson Mercer, who are being counted on to maintain scoring momentum. The injury also casts uncertainty on Hughes’ potential participation in Team USA’s roster for the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Beyond Hughes, the Devils’ injury list includes forwards Zack MacEwen and Marc McLaughlin, along with defensemen Brett Pesce and Johnathan Kovacevic. MacEwen, sidelined since November 13 due to a lower-body injury, is expected to return around November 28. Pesce, on long-term injured reserve with an upper-body issue, is also projected to be available later this week. Kovacevic, dealing with a knee injury, is not expected back until January 3, while McLaughlin, placed on injured reserve in early October, could return by November 29. Despite these absences, the team’s recent performance suggests a resilient depth chart capable of weathering key injuries.
Monday’s game also highlighted encouraging returns. Connor Brown, recently activated off injured reserve, contributed immediately with a goal, while Cody Glass, back in the lineup after recovering from an upper-body injury, continues to reintegrate into the team’s rotation. Their performances underline the importance of healthy reinforcements as the Devils navigate the mid-season stretch.
Looking ahead, the Devils face three home contests this week, beginning with Wednesday’s matchup against the St. Louis Blues at 7:00 p.m., followed by Saturday against the Philadelphia Flyers and Monday, December 1, versus the Columbus Blue Jackets. With a mix of returning players and emerging contributors, the Devils aim to build on Monday’s momentum and solidify their position in a competitive Atlantic Division.
The Prudential Center promises to be a central stage for fans to witness the team’s ongoing adaptation and resilience. With injuries testing the roster but key players stepping up, New Jersey Devils hockey continues to deliver excitement, intensity, and hope for a playoff push this season.
