8. Devils @ Oilers — Rogers Place — Nov. 4, 2024
The Devils head to Edmonton to play the Oilers on Nov. 4. Later in the season, the Oilers come to New Jersey on March 13. The Oilers made a Stanley Cup Playoffs run last season, making it all the way to Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final. Following a heartbreaking series loss, the Oilers are hungrier than ever to get back to the Cup Final and create a different result.
Seeing Connor McDavid and Co. in action is a treat. McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, Darnell Nurse, and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins lead a team that has high expectations for 2024-25. Between the big names on the Oilers’ team and the stars on the Devils’ team, there will be some serious star power in this game. There's also a little more juice for Devils fans now that fan-favorite Adam Henrique hitched his wagon to the defending Western Conference champs.
There’s no telling how things will shake out, but it seems likely the Oilers will be among the top teams in the NHL again this season. The Devils lost to the Oilers both times they faced them last year. They will have their work cut out for them in this match-up.
7. Devils vs. Flyers — Prudential Center — Jan. 18, 2025
Fans looking forward to another round of the Battle of the Turnpike will have to wait until 2025. The first meeting of the season between the Devils and Philadelphia Flyers finally occurs on Jan. 18, 2025 at The Rock. They also play on Jan. 29 at home, as well as Jan. 27 and March 9 in Philly.
The Devils and Flyers were pretty evenly matched last season, with two of four games going to overtime and one being a one-goal game. Then there was the Stadium Series, which was a whole vibe. The Devils got off to a hot start and beat the Flyers 6-3 with a 45-save performance by Nico Daws, the most saves ever in an outdoor game. Nico Hischier and Nathan Bastian scored two goals each.
Despite being in a playoff position for much of the 2023-24 season, the Flyers ultimately missed the playoffs. The Devils finished six points behind the Flyers. With both teams missing the playoffs, they’ll each be fighting for a better 2024-25. While the Devils have made a lot of noise this summer in upgrading their roster, the Flyers have not.