New Jersey Devils Host Toronto Maple Leafs in Crucial Metro Division Clash

The New Jersey Devils are set to face off against the Toronto Maple Leafs on December 10, 2024, in the third game of their five-game homestand at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ. This matchup is significant as both teams are vying for top spots in their respective divisions. The Devils, with a record of 18-10-2, are two points behind the Washington Capitals in the Metro Division, although they have played three more games.

The Devils are coming off a disappointing 4-0 loss to the Colorado Avalanche on Sunday night but had previously been on a strong run, going 6-2-0 in their last eight games. Forward Jesper Bratt leads the team in scoring with 37 points, followed closely by Jack Hughes with 35 points. Captain Nico Hischier has scored a team-high 15 goals, while defenseman Dougie Hamilton contributes with five goals and 21 points.

Goaltender Jake Allen is questionable for the game after missing practice on Monday, so Jacob Markstrom will start in goal for the Devils. Markstrom has been in strong form, going 5-1-0 in his last six starts.

The Toronto Maple Leafs, with a record of 16-9-2, are in a tight race for the top spot in the Atlantic Division, trailing the Florida Panthers by two points but having one game in hand. Despite losing their last two games, the Leafs had a strong stretch prior, going 10-2-0 in their previous 12 games. Mitch Marner leads the Leafs with 38 points, while William Nylander has a team-high 17 goals. Auston Matthews has contributed 18 points in 18 games this season.

The game will also feature the Devils’ annual Pride Night celebration and can be watched on ESPN+ or Hulu, or listened to on the Devils Hockey Network.

Injuries are a concern for both teams, with the Devils missing Jake Allen, Nathan Bastian, Curtis Lazar, and Santeri Hatakka, among others. The Maple Leafs are without Max Domi, who is practicing but whose status for the game is uncertain, along with several other players including Hakanpaa, Jarnkrok, Kampf, McCabe, and McMann).