The New Jersey Devils (4-1-0) continue their hot start to the season with a clash against the Toronto Maple Leafs (3-2-1) tonight, Tuesday, October 21, at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto. Riding a four-game winning streak, the Devils will look to keep their momentum against a Maple Leafs squad coming off an overtime loss to the Seattle Kraken.

The puck drops at 7:00 p.m. ET, with coverage available on ESPN+.

Devils Entering the Matchup

New Jersey’s offense has been on fire, scoring three or more goals in every game so far this season. Jack Hughes continues to impress, netting two goals in the last contest, while Jesper Bratt has been a consistent threat on the wing. In net, Jake Allen is expected to start, providing stability with the Devils allowing just 2.3 goals per game over their last four outings. The team’s penalty kill has also been formidable, successfully stopping 19 of 20 penalties this season.

The Devils’ top line—Nico Hischier, Timo Meier, and Dawson Mercer—remains a cornerstone of the team’s early-season success. Last season, this trio dominated at 5-on-5, posting a 50.90% Expected Goals For (xGF%) across 264 minutes together while outshooting and out-attempting opponents, winning high-danger scoring chances, and outscoring rivals 9-4. Head coach Sheldon Keefe has continued to deploy them against the toughest opposition this season, with early numbers showing dominance once again.

Through the first five games of 2025-26, the Hischier line has logged 48:31 of ice time at 5-on-5 with an xGF% just shy of 61%, outscoring opponents 4-1. Advanced analytics from Moneypuck even peg this trio at a staggering 67.3% xGF%, highlighting their ability to control play against elite competition. Their matchup-by-match performances illustrate both consistency and the occasional struggle against specific top lines, but overall, they remain the Devils’ driving force.

• October 9 @ Carolina: Despite a team loss, the line posted a 65.84% xGF% against the elite Jordan Staal line.
• October 11 @ Tampa Bay: Matched against Anthony Cirelli, Meier-Hischier-Mercer achieved a 61.87% xGF% overall despite losing portions of their primary matchup.
• October 13 @ Columbus: Meier dominated the opposing top line while Hischier and Mercer maintained solid numbers elsewhere, yielding a 72.48% xGF% for the line in 9:13 of ice time.
• October 16 vs. Florida: Last change allowed the Devils to leverage matchups, with Hischier overpowering the Panthers’ top line, logging an xGF% above 85% against Anton Lundell’s unit.
• October 18 vs. Edmonton: Facing Connor McDavid and company, the line posted a 62.58% xGF%, proving they can succeed even against the league’s elite.

Maple Leafs’ Offensive Firepower

Toronto’s lineup is anchored by William Nylander, who has two goals and nine assists through six games. Auston Matthews returns to the top line alongside Max Domi and Matthew Knies, while Knies himself has added two goals and six assists. Captain John Tavares remains a key playmaker with four assists in six contests. Anthony Stolarz is expected to start in goal after previously besting the Devils, stopping 23 of 25 shots in his last outing against them.

The Maple Leafs’ recent overtime loss to Seattle adds urgency to tonight’s matchup, as they look to reclaim form and exploit any weaknesses in the Devils’ defensive structure. Toronto won all three regular-season meetings with New Jersey last year, including an overtime victory, giving them a psychological edge heading into this series.

High-Stakes Matchups and Analytics

Advanced statistics reveal the Hischier line’s extraordinary ability to absorb the league’s toughest defensive assignments while producing offense. Against Carolina, Tampa Bay, Columbus, Florida, and Edmonton, they consistently logged dominant xGF% numbers, even when their primary matchups presented challenges. This allows the rest of the Devils’ roster to attack secondary matchups, providing a strategic advantage in games where Keefe can dictate line deployment.

Tonight, the spotlight will again shine on Hischier, Meier, and Mercer, as they face a Maple Leafs team eager to counter their influence. The Devils’ continued success hinges on this line maintaining control against Toronto’s top players while Jack Hughes, Jesper Bratt, and Jake Allen contribute on both ends of the ice.

For New Jersey hockey fans, this matchup is more than just another regular-season game—it’s an opportunity to watch the Devils’ core lines showcase elite talent, backed by data-driven proof of their effectiveness. With a combination of offensive firepower, disciplined defense, and strategic coaching, New Jersey hopes to extend its winning streak on the road against a formidable Maple Leafs team.

For more insights on the Devils, player stats, and game coverage, visit Explore New Jersey Devils.

The stage is set at Scotiabank Arena, and the Devils are poised to prove that their hot start is no fluke. With the Hischier line logging elite minutes and the supporting cast firing on all cylinders, New Jersey fans can expect a thrilling contest against one of the Eastern Conference’s most talented teams.