2. Devils vs. Rangers — Prudential Center— Dec. 23, 2024
December 23 is a must-see rivalry match-up. Devils vs. Rangers. This is the first home game against the New York Rangers of the season, and it comes at a great time of year. The Devils are bookending Christmas by playing the Rangers before and the Carolina Hurricanes after.
Sparks always fly between these two teams. The last time they met up, the teams engaged in a line brawl as soon as the puck dropped. This was the result of the build-up from Matt Rempe’s actions. It will be intriguing to see what drama occurs between the teams this season. The Devils lost all four of their games against the Rangers last year, so this year will bring the opportunity to turn things around.
By December, we’ll have a good idea of how the Devils’ season is going. Meeting up with last season’s Metropolitan Division winners will be a test of where the Devils are at. The teams will play each other four times throughout the season, with away games on Dec. 2 and Jan. 9, and the other home game being April 5.
1. Devils @ Sabres — O2 Arena — Oct. 4, 2024
By the time the first game rolls around, we’re itching for regular-season hockey to begin. Opening Night is a must-see. It's the first game of the 2024 NHL Global Series in Prague, Czechia, against the Buffalo Sabres. This game also made the NHL’s list of ‘Must-see NHL games for the 2024-25 season’. The two teams will play each other on back-to-back days. Oct. 4 will be a home game for the Sabres, while Oct. 5 will be a home game for the Devils.
The Devils and Sabres had some drama last year, starting when New Jersey-born Connor Clifton delivered an illegal check to Nico Hischier’s head, injuring Hischier. Clifton received a match penalty and was subsequently suspended for two games.
Plus, playing the Sabres on opening night means facing former head coach Lindy Ruff right at the start of the season. The Devils will also visit Buffalo on Feb. 2. It will be interesting to see the team face off against their former coach.
There’s plenty to look forward to in the upcoming NHL season. Before long, the Devils will be back in action.