The New Jersey Devils are heading into a promising season. Missing the Stanley Cup Playoffs in 2023-24 pushed Tom Fitzgerald to make some strategic moves this summer. The 2024-25 Devils have a new coach, a top goalie, a stronger defense, and more forward depth. This makes the return of hockey this fall even more exciting for Devils fans.
We can hardly wait to see the Devils back on the ice. Until then, here are ten must-see games on the Devils’ regular season schedule to look forward to.
10. Devils @ Islanders — UBS Arena — Nov. 9, 2024
The Devils will visit the New York Islanders on Nov. 9. Their first home game against the Islanders on Oct. 25 is the second half of a back-to-back. Knowing how the Devils played last season in the second game of back-to-backs is enough to keep us from being particularly excited for that game. The Nov. 9 game, however, is the first game of a back-to-back, making it a must-win game.
Last spring, the Devils and Islanders had some beef. On March 24, Islanders captain Anders Lee committed a knee-on-knee hit against Nico Hischier. Timo Meier came to the defense of his captain and dropped the gloves with Lee. Meier received an instigator penalty and a game misconduct. Lee was given a five-minute major and a game misconduct.
Games against teams that aren’t too far away like the Islanders, New York Rangers and Philadelphia Flyers always provide a good opportunity for Devils fans living in New Jersey to catch an away game in person. The Devils will also play the Islanders at home the last week of the season on April 13.
9. Devils vs. Canucks — Prudential Center — March 24, 2025
When the Devils play the Vancouver Canucks, all three Hughes brothers may appear in the same game, making this The Hughes Bowl. Seeing Quinn and Jack Hughes face each other is exciting enough, but last year, Quinn faced off against Jack and Luke for the first time in an NHL game. The Devils will take on the Canucks at home on March 24, 2025.
Quinn Hughes is coming off a successful 2023-24 campaign, his first season as captain of the Canucks. He tallied 92 points in the regular season, the most of all defensemen in the NHL. Hughes won the Norris Trophy as the top defenseman. 2023-24 was Luke Hughes’ first full season in the NHL. He was nominated for the Calder Memorial Trophy and finished third in voting among rookies. Jack Hughes had an injury-riddled season but still managed to collect 74 points in 62 games. A stronger, healthier Jack Hughes can do some damage in 204-25.
We won’t have to wait until March, though, to see the Hughes brothers face each other. The Devils will also play the Canucks in Vancouver on Oct. 30. March 24 is the New Jersey edition of this season’s Hughes Bowl.