The New Jersey Devils sit atop the NHL standings through ten games, scoring 16 points in the opening round and finishing with 8 wins, 2 draws and 0 losses. They’re a perfect 5-0 at home and lead the Metropolitan Division, showing themselves to be one of the early juggernauts heading into the 2025-26 season. The red-hot Devils head to the West this week for a challenging road trip that could prove to be an early-season litmus test.
The Devils begin a three-game four-night stretch in San Jose on Wednesday. They’ll then have tough games in Los Angeles and Anaheim before returning home to face the Montreal Canadiens on Nov. 6.
Even though New Jersey lost 8-4 to Colorado on Tuesday, its worst loss yet, the club is still among the best in the league, and its Stanley Cup odds reflect the growing respectability of Florida sweepstakes casinos and online sportsbooks. The Devils opened the season at +1300 to win it all, but have shortened to +1200 after their hot start.
Elite starts to generate hype
New Jersey’s record ties the best 10-game start in franchise history, matching records from 1993-94 and 2017-18. An eight-game winning streak, sandwiched between losses in the opener and most recent game, has kept the Devils atop the standings and in the headlines. As of the end of the month, they were tied for the NHL lead with 16 points.
Jack Hughes continues his star form from last season, leading the offense with nine goals and 14 points. He is tied for the league lead in goals, with eight points (six goals, two assists) in his last five games, including a hat trick and a current three-game winning streak. Jesper Bratt contributed four goals and 12 points, and captain Nico Hischier had 10 points in 10 games.
Dougie Hamilton has also been a standout on the blue line, especially lately. Hamilton has scored three goals and scored four points in the past three games, the most prominent of which was a two-goal three-point breakthrough against the Sharks on October 24. However, the Devils’ defense will be tested after losing Brett Pace to an upper-body injury on Sunday. Rookie Seamus Casey was recalled and made his debut in Tuesday’s loss to Denver — a baptism of fire against one of the league’s best teams.
Stingy goaltending fuels fast start
Goaltending consistency has been a major question mark in recent seasons, but now it’s become a surprising strength for New Jersey. Jack Allen, who was brought in to bolster the team, performed well and started his Devils career with a perfect 5-0 record. His goals against average of 1.93 and save percentage of 0.923 are among the best in the league.
As road travel intensifies, these numbers will be crucial. Facing the Kings and Ducks soon after San Jose will test the team’s depth and durability. Giving up eight goals in Colorado was an anomaly — New Jersey was otherwise effective in limiting its opponents — but it was a sharp reminder of the defensive commitment required to compete at the top of the NHL.
Devils aim for season sweep over Sharks
New Jersey’s stop in San Jose also serves as a chance for a sweep. Less than a week ago, the Devils defeated the Sharks 3-1 in Newark, riding a power play from Dougie Hamilton to get the win. They have beaten San Jose in their last few games and will continue their efforts on Wednesday at SAP Center.
The Sharks are deep in the midst of a rebuild, having started the season 0-4-2 but have won two of their past three games. Their core is young but promising, led by rookie forwards MacLean Celebrini (first pick in 2024), Michael Misa (second pick in 2025) and Will Smith (fourth pick in 2023). Sam Dickinson (No. 11 overall in the 2024 class) dominates the blue line, while Yaroslva Askarov, acquired from Nashville, takes over in net.
Celebrini’s performance has been nothing short of spectacular – he’s scored 11 points (five goals, six assists) in five straight games and notched a hat trick, finishing with two multi-point nights in the process. For a team in transition, his immediate impact provided a rare bright spot amid the growing pains.
New guy on defense
The Devils’ blue line will be thinner without Brett Pace, who provided shutout minutes before his injury, but the help Seamus Casey can provide is cause for optimism. All eyes will be on how the rookie adapts to the grind of the NHL and whether the Devils’ structure can protect the young defenseman from opponents on the road.
The chemistry between Hughes, Blatt and Hischier remains the engine of the team. The Devils run their offense through speed, transition and aggressive anticipation, traits that overwhelm weaker opponents and challenge more experienced teams. Fueled by Hamilton’s shooting and Hughes’ deft preparation, the game came together at crucial moments.
Coping with adversity
Tuesday’s 8-4 loss at Colorado State ended an eight-game winning streak and was a shock to a team accustomed to calling the shots. The avalanche exposed some cracks, but New Jersey’s response in California will reveal how far the club can go to correct course. A bounce-back performance against San Jose will keep this trip and November well underway.
Four games in less than a week, alternating with early adversity. It offers a glimpse into the team’s toughness and depth, and whether their league-leading start is a sign of a true contender.
Looking to the future
After the California swing, New Jersey will return home for a Nov. 6 game against the Montreal Canadiens. With a favorable schedule and building momentum, the Devils aim to solidify their lead over the Mets and justify the oddsmakers’ early confidence.
New Jersey’s current performance promises to be an October surprise. Their performance on the West Coast will show whether this team is ready for the long haul. If the first ten games are any indication, the Devils have enough quality and determination to chase history in 2026 – and maybe the Cup itself.
