Devils Try Their Luck in Vegas | Preview

Preview of the New Jersey Devils vs. Vegas Golden Knights Match-Up

The New Jersey Devils travel to T-Mobile Arena for a crucial matchup against the Vegas Golden Knights on Wednesday night, December 17, 2025. The game presents an interesting contrast as the Devils welcome back key player Brett Pesce while dealing with the absence of Jack Eichel and Shea Theodore.

Returning Player: Brett Pesce

Brett Pesce’s return to the lineup is a significant boost for the New Jersey Devils. Head coach Sheldon Keefe highlighted the importance of Pesce, noting that his presence brings confidence to the penalty kill unit which has struggled for consistency. “Obviously he’s a steady guy for us there, gives the group confidence,” said Keefe. Pesce practiced with the team on Tuesday and is expected to make an impact in his first game since October 26.

Keefe emphasized that while Pesce’s return is crucial, it won’t solve all of their issues. “It’ll take him some time.

The team has got to take care of Pesce today, not Pesce taking care of the team,” he added. Despite his absence, Keefe praised the growth and development of other players like Luke Hughes and Jesper Bratt.

Golden Knights Without Key Players

The Vegas Golden Knights are missing two key offensive players in Jack Eichel and Shea Theodore, which will significantly affect their lineup. Head coach Bruce Cassidy acknowledged the impact: “Those guys drive offense. It’s easier to replace their defensive acumen than it is their offensive acumen.” The absence of these players means that the Devils might find new opportunities on the ice.

Despite the absences, Cassidy remains optimistic about his team’s ability to adapt and perform at a high level. “Really good power play team, lots of great players here today,” he said. “They’ve got lots of threats, so we’re going to be put to the test.” The Devils will need to be prepared for the Golden Knights’ potent power play as they have shown in recent games.

Key Players and Recent Performances

The Devils are also dealing with injuries to Simon Nemec and Arseny Gritsyuk, while Nathan Légaré is called up from the minors. Simon Nemec will miss at least two weeks due to a lower-body injury, and Arseny Gritsyuk remains out for the foreseeable future.

New Jersey’s recent performance against Vegas is still fresh in everyone’s minds, as they lost 3-0 on December 5th. However, Keefe noted that his team showed good stretches during that game. “We’ve got foundation and structure,” said Keefe. “It just kind of gets away from it over the course of time.” The Devils will need to bring their A-game if they hope to turn things around.

Travel Challenges and Preparations

The road trip to Vegas comes with its own set of challenges, including travel delays and a late arrival. Keefe advised his team to use the energy in Las Vegas to their advantage: “We’ve got to use the energy that comes with playing in this building to our own benefit.” He also highlighted the importance of being assertive from the start: “Be ready to skate and work right from the beginning.”

The Devils are focused on reestablishing habits, regaining confidence, and letting Pesce’s return strengthen their group. Keefe stressed that while it means a lot to the team, they cannot rely solely on him to solve everything. “It means a lot to our team — but we can’t just sit back and say everything’s going to snap back into place,” he concluded.

The game is set for December 17th at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, with all eyes on the return of Brett Pesce as the Devils seek to turn their fortunes around against a formidable Golden Knights squad. Stay tuned for more updates and analysis leading up to the big game!