Game Preview #9: New Jersey Devils vs. Colorado Avalanche

New Jersey Devils vs. Colorado Avalanche: Game Preview

The New Jersey Devils will face a formidable challenge when they take on the Colorado Avalanche at home on October 25, 2025. The Devils are off to an impressive start with seven wins and one loss in their first eight games this season. Meanwhile, the Avalanche have been equally strong, boasting five victories and only three losses.

Colorado’s Hot Start

Prior to their recent defeat against the Boston Bruins, the Colorado Avalanche had not lost a single game in regulation. Artturi Lehkonen contributed two crucial goals for the team, with Nathan MacKinnon providing the assists on both occasions. Despite dominating possession and outshooting the Bruins, the Avalanche faced some tough goaltending from Scott Wedgewood, who allowed three goals on 19 shots.

Depth and Team Structure

The Colorado Avalanche boast a well-balanced roster with Nathan MacKinnon as their cornerstone. Brock Nelson and Jack Drury man the second and third lines, while Zakhar Bardakov has taken over the fourth-line center role. The team’s top-six wings are particularly strong, with Martin Necas and Artturi Lehkonen both averaging over a point per game through nine games.

On defense, Cale Makar (10 points) and Brent Burns (4) have provided significant offensive contributions.

Devon Toews has surprisingly failed to score in their first several games. The absence of longtime defenseman Sam Girard due to an upper-body injury is a notable gap for the team, but Josh Manson has stepped up with solid third-pairing play.

Devils’ Lineups and Goaltending

The Devils will be thankful that Mackenzie Blackwood, who had a .912 save percentage last season, remains out recovering from an offseason lower-body surgery. Young goaltender Trent Miner, drafted in the seventh round by Colorado in 2019, has shown promise with a career .919 save percentage in the AHL and a solid performance in the WHL.

Goaltending will be a key factor in this game as Jacob Markstrom is expected to travel but may not start. Jake Allen has posted an impressive 4-0-0 record, while Nico Daws won his only appearance with 30 saves on 31 shots.

Top Line Matchups and Bottom Six Balance

Nico Hischier’s effectiveness against top lines continues to be a highlight for the Devils. He has held back some of the league’s best offensive forces from scoring goals in their matchups, allowing Jack Hughes and Jesper Bratt to get off to their scoring ways with six goals and 10 points for Hughes, and four goals and 11 points for Bratt.

Defensively, Dawson Mercer has stepped up as third-line center, playing more than 15 minutes per game and putting up three points in the past two games. Hischier’s performance is crucial against Nathan MacKinnon and Brock Nelson, but Mercer’s contribution could be pivotal when he lines up against Jack Drury.

The fourth line remains a concern for the Devils as Stefan Noesen has struggled with only 15:14 of ice time through two games. Brian Halonen and Luke Glendening have been more effective, though Glendening is primarily focused on penalty killing duties.

Conclusion

The New Jersey Devils will be looking to continue their winning streak against the Colorado Avalanche. With both teams starting strong seasons, this matchup promises to be a tough challenge for both sides. The Devils’ depth and top-line matchups could give them an edge, but the Avs’ well-constructed roster presents significant obstacles.

As Chris Fieldhouse notes, the Devils may want to consider spreading their goaltending load as they travel west for four games, potentially setting up a Trent Miner—Jake Allen matchup. Regardless of who starts in net, the focus will be on maintaining the Devils’ momentum and finding ways to outscore the strong Avalanche offense.