The New Jersey Devils (27-22-2) head to the Pacific Northwest to take on the Seattle Kraken (22-19-9) in an inter-conference clash. The Devils, coming off a strong road win, look to continue their dominance in this series against a Kraken team that’s been inconsistent lately but shows signs of resilience at home. This matchup features young talent on both sides, with potential for high-scoring action given recent trends. Note: There are unconfirmed reports of a possible rescheduling due to unspecified reasons, but official previews indicate the game is proceeding as planned—monitor NHL updates closely.
Venue Location
The game is set at Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle, Washington. This modern venue, with a capacity of about 17,100 for hockey, is known for its sustainable design and passionate fanbase, often creating a challenging environment for visitors.
Puck drop is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. ET (12:00 p.m. PT)
TV/Streaming: ESPN+; additional regional coverage on SN, KHN/Prime, MSGSN, KONG, and KSKN 22. Live streams available via NHL platforms.
Injury Report
Both teams are managing significant absences, which could influence depth and strategy. Updates as of January 24, 2026:
New Jersey Devils:
Luke Hughes (D): Upper-body injury; on injured reserve but avoiding surgery for now, opting for rehab. Expected to miss this game but could return sooner than initially feared.
Stefan Noesen (RW): Knee injury; on long-term injured reserve following surgery. Out indefinitely.
Marc McLaughlin (C): Undisclosed injury; on injured reserve, out for this game.
Zack MacEwen (RW): ACL injury; out for the season.
Seattle Kraken:
Ben Meyers (C): Undisclosed injury; on injured reserve since January 21, out for this game.
Matthew Murray (G): Lower-body injury; on injured reserve, expected out for about six weeks.
Max McCormick (LW): Hip surgery; out for the entire 2025-26 season.
Jared McCann (LW): Lower-body injury; on injured reserve, but this dates back to earlier in the season—status for this game unclear, likely out.
The Devils’ blue line is thinned without Hughes, while the Kraken’s forward depth takes a hit, potentially leading to more ice time for younger players.
Key Player Matchups
Expect exciting individual battles in this game:
Jack Hughes (NJD) vs. Vince Dunn (SEA): Hughes’ speed and creativity against Dunn’s defensive poise and offensive contributions from the back end. Dunn had a goal and assist in a recent win.
Nico Hischier (NJD) vs. Matty Beniers (SEA): Two-way centers; Hischier’s faceoff prowess could neutralize Beniers’ emerging playmaking.
Cody Glass (NJD) vs. Jared McCann (SEA, if playing): Glass is hot with recent multi-point games; McCann’s scoring threat could exploit Devils’ injuries if he suits up.
Goaltending: Jacob Markstrom (NJD) vs. Joey Daccord (SEA): Markstrom’s experience vs. Daccord’s home strength; both have been solid but vulnerable lately. Key watch: Devils’ power play (top-15 league) vs. Kraken’s penalty kill, which has struggled in recent losses.
Recent Team Forms
New Jersey Devils (Last 5 Games): 3-2-0
Jan 23 @ VAN: W 5-4 (Glass’ two goals and assist led a comeback; held off late push)
Jan 21 vs. EDM: W 2-1 (Tight defensive win, per trends)
Jan 19 @ CGY: L 2-3 (Close loss on road trip)
Jan 17 vs. TOR: W 4-3 (OT) (Resilient overtime victory)
Jan 14 vs. SEA: W 3-2 (Last meeting, Devils edged it at home)
The Devils are 6-4-0 in their last 10, with a +5 goal differential, showing improved offense post-injuries.
Seattle Kraken (Last 5 Games): 2-3-0
Jan 24 vs. ANA: L 2-4 (Slow start, couldn’t recover despite late push; shorthanded goal allowed)
Jan 21 vs. NYI: W 4-1 (Dunn and McCann contributed; snapped four-game skid)
Jan 19 @ PIT: L 3-4 (Close road loss)
Jan 17 vs. VGK: L 1-3 (Defensive collapse)
Jan 14 @ NJD: L 2-3 (Fell short in previous matchup)
The Kraken are 4-5-1 in their last 10, with defensive issues allowing 3+ goals in losses.
Series History
The Devils hold a commanding 7-0-2 all-time record against the Kraken in 9 meetings, outscoring them significantly.
New Jersey has won the last six straight, including a 3-2 victory on January 14, 2026, at home. The Kraken’s only wins came early in the series (2021-22). Devils are 4-0-1 in Seattle.
Betting Trends
Over has hit in 6 of Devils’ last 8 road games and 4 of Kraken’s last 7 home contests.
Devils 4-0 as road favorites of -151 to -200 lately; Kraken 3-7 in last 10 vs. teams with winning records. Head-to-head: Devils 7-2 moneyline in series.
Game Odds
New Jersey Devils – 130
Seattle Kraken 5.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Saturday, January 24, 2026
