As the NHL season enters its final stretch, the New Jersey Devils find themselves in a familiar battle for stability. After riding high on a four-game win streak, the team hit a rough patch with a shutout loss to the Detroit Red Wings and a tough defeat against the Calgary Flames. The absence of veteran defenseman Brett Pesce continues to loom large, though his return might be just around the corner.
This week, the Devils aim to bounce back with three crucial games on the docket. Let’s dive into the key storylines for the week of March 15-22, 2026.
Homestand Wraps, Road Challenges Ahead
The Devils showed resilience during their recent homestand, thrilling fans with three straight victories, including a nail-biting 4-3 shootout win over the Toronto Maple Leafs. Despite a couple of setbacks, they regained momentum by sweeping the season series against the Los Angeles Kings with a 6-4 triumph.
Monday night marks the end of their homestand as they take on the Boston Bruins. Following that, the Devils hit the road for a five-game stretch, facing formidable Metropolitan Division opponents, including the Washington Capitals, who currently hold a six-point lead over New Jersey.
While the playoff picture might be slipping away, the Devils still have a chance to climb the standings and finish the season strong.
Renewing Hudson River Rivalry
Fans are eagerly anticipating Wednesday night’s clash as the Devils revisit the “Battle of the Hudson” against the New York Rangers. Their first encounter was a 6-3 victory for New Jersey, highlighted by three power-play goals and a Jack Hughes hat trick.
This season, the Rangers have struggled at Madison Square Garden with a 9-15-6 record, while the Devils hold a 16-16-0 mark on the road. With both teams languishing at the bottom of the Eastern Conference, every point is crucial. The season series will conclude on March 31, adding extra weight to this matchup.
Jesper Bratt: A Steady Force
Amidst the team’s ups and downs, Jesper Bratt has been a beacon of consistency. Leading the Devils in assists (37) and points (51), Bratt has notched nine points in his last seven games, including a standout performance against the Rangers.
Bratt’s offensive prowess is undeniable, averaging 78 shot attempts, 42.48 scoring chances, and 3.48 goals per 60 minutes on the ice. His chemistry with Nico Hischier has been particularly fruitful, contributing to 46 Devils’ goals, 24 of which came in high-danger situations.
Looking ahead, Bratt is poised to remain a key contributor, and fans should be excited to see what he can achieve as the season winds down.
Devils Schedule: March 15 - March 22
- Mon, March 16 vs Boston Bruins: 7:00 PM ET at Prudential Center. The Devils seek redemption after a 4-1 loss in December.
- Wed, March 18 @ New York Rangers: 7:00 PM ET at Madison Square Garden. The Devils aim to build on their recent 6-3 victory.
- Fri, March 20 @ Washington Capitals: 7:00 PM ET at Capital One Arena. This is the third of four season matchups, with the last ending in a 4-3 OT loss for the Devils.
As the Devils navigate this pivotal week, their performance could set the tone for the rest of the season. Stay tuned, fans-it’s going to be an exciting ride.