The upcoming NHL matchup between the Vancouver Canucks (32-26-12) and the New Jersey Devils (37-28-6) on Monday, March 24, 2025, at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, promises to be a thrilling contest. Both teams are vying for crucial points as the regular season nears its conclusion, with playoff implications hanging in the balance.
Team Overview
Vancouver Canucks
- Record: 32-26-12 (76 points)
- Pacific Division Standing: 5th
- Recent Form: 6-4-1 in their last 11 games
- Road Record: 17-13-5
The Canucks are fighting for their playoff lives, sitting just three points out of the final Wild Card spot in the Western Conference. They are in the midst of a six-game road trip, with this game marking the third stop. Vancouver’s offense is led by Quinn Hughes, the reigning Norris Trophy winner, who has tallied 51 assists and 67 points this season. The team boasts three 20-goal scorers: Brock Boeser (23), Jake DeBrusk (23), and Pius Suter (20). However, injuries to key players like Elias Pettersson and Nils Hoglander could impact their performance.
New Jersey Devils
- Record: 37-28-6 (80 points)
- Metropolitan Division Standing: 3rd
- Recent Form: 1-3 in their last four games
- Home Record: 17-13-4
The Devils are comfortably in control of their playoff destiny, holding a six-point lead over the New York Rangers for the third spot in the Metropolitan Division. Despite recent struggles, the team is looking to peak as the playoffs approach. Nico Hischier, the team captain, leads the Devils with 30 goals, while Jesper Bratt has set a franchise record with 61 assists and 81 points. The Devils are missing key players like Jack Hughes, Dougie Hamilton, and Jonas Siegenthaler, which could challenge their depth.
Key Players to Watch
Vancouver Canucks
- Quinn Hughes: The dynamic defenseman is the team’s offensive catalyst, leading in assists and points.
- Brock Boeser: On a three-game scoring streak with five goals and one assist in that span.
- Kevin Lankinen: The goaltender has set a career high with 46 games played and 24 wins this season.
New Jersey Devils
- Nico Hischier: Riding a six-game scoring streak with four goals and seven points.
- Jesper Bratt: A playmaking force with a franchise-record 61 assists.
- Jacob Markstrom: The veteran goalie is finding his groove after returning from injury.
Injury Report
Canucks
- Elias Pettersson: Undisclosed injury (status uncertain).
- Nils Hoglander: Undisclosed injury (status uncertain).
- Thatcher Demko: Lower-body injury (IR).
- Noah Juulsen: Groin injury.
Devils
- Jack Hughes: Shoulder injury (LTIR).
- Dougie Hamilton: Undisclosed injury (week-to-week).
- Jonas Siegenthaler: Undisclosed injury (LTIR).
- Ondrej Palat: Undisclosed injury.
Head-to-Head
This is the second and final meeting between these teams this season. In their previous matchup on October 30, 2024, the Devils dominated with a 6-0 victory in Vancouver. Jacob Markstrom recorded a 20-save shutout, while Nico Hischier contributed a goal and three points.
Keys to Victory
Vancouver Canucks
- Capitalize on their speed and offensive depth to exploit the Devils’ injury-depleted defense.
- Maintain discipline and avoid penalties, as the Devils’ power play can be lethal.
- Kevin Lankinen must deliver a strong performance in goal to keep the Canucks competitive.
New Jersey Devils
- Leverage their home-ice advantage and crowd energy to set the tone early.
- Nico Hischier and Jesper Bratt must continue their scoring streaks to lead the offense.
- Jacob Markstrom needs to provide stability in net, especially against Vancouver’s top scorers.
