Devils Face Lightning as Road Trip Continues

TAMPA, Fla. — The New Jersey Devils continue their road trip with a crucial matchup against the Tampa Bay Lightning this evening. The game is important for both teams as they fight for positioning in the Eastern Conference.

The Devils, currently leading with a record of 13-4-1 and 27 points, need a win to maintain their strong start despite facing numerous injuries. Key players like Jack Hughes and Dougie Hamilton have missed time, but the team has shown resilience, recently winning two games against Chicago and Washington.

Head Coach Sheldon Keefe provided an update this morning, saying, “All three guys are preparing to play, I’d call them game-time decisions.” The players in question—Hamilton, Connor Brown, and Evgenii Dadonov—skated earlier and may play later tonight.

The Lightning, struggling with a 9-7-2 record and only 20 points, are also dealing with critical injuries that have affected their performance. After losing in a home game against Vancouver last week, Tampa head coach Jon Cooper expressed urgency. “We’ve got to come out ready to play. We know what’s at stake,” he said.

In the last meeting between these two teams in October, the Devils took a 5-3 win, marking a significant moment in their young season. Many in the league see this match as an opportunity for both teams to solidify their status as playoff contenders.

Among the players to watch, rookie Simon Nemec has made headlines with his outstanding performance, including a crucial shootout goal against Washington. “He’s been incredible,” said a team spokesperson. “We’re excited to see him on the ice tonight.”

As the Devils aim for their third consecutive win, expect Tampa to rally in front of their home crowd. The stakes are high for both teams, with playoff implications looming large as the season progresses.