The New Jersey Devils (32-22-6) are set to face the Utah Hockey Club (27-24-9) at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City on March 1, with puck drop scheduled for 7:00 PM MT. This matchup features two teams with contrasting goals: the Devils aim to solidify their playoff position in the Eastern Conference, while Utah fights to climb into the Western Conference Wild Card race. Here’s a detailed preview:
Team Form and Recent Performances
- New Jersey Devils: The Devils are third in the Metropolitan Division with 70 points but have been inconsistent lately, alternating wins and losses over their last 10 games (5-5-0). They are coming off a tough 5-1 loss to the Colorado Avalanche, where their offense struggled to capitalize on opportunities. New Jersey has been solid on the road this season, boasting a 17-12-2 record, and will look to bounce back in this third game of a five-game road trip.
- Utah Hockey Club: Utah is riding a three-game winning streak, including a dominant 6-1 victory over the Minnesota Wild in their last outing. The team has been strong at home, winning four straight games at the Delta Center. Utah is just two points behind the Vancouver Canucks for the final Wild Card spot in the Western Conference, making this game crucial for their playoff aspirations.
Key Players to Watch
- New Jersey Devils: Jack Hughes leads the Devils with 27 goals and 42 assists, totaling 69 points this season. He has been in excellent form, with points in four consecutive games and nine goals in his last 10 contests. Jesper Bratt, who has 51 assists, and Dougie Hamilton, with 10 points in his last 11 games, will also be key contributors. Goaltender Jake Allen, who made 32 saves in the loss to Colorado, is expected to start.
- Utah Hockey Club: Clayton Keller has been the standout performer for Utah, leading the team with 22 goals, 47 assists, and 69 points. He is currently on a six-game point streak, with four goals and eight assists during that span. Dylan Guenther has also been in fine form, scoring six goals in his last eight games. Goaltender Karel Vejmelka has been reliable, with a .910 save percentage and a 2.44 goals-against average.
Head-to-Head and Historical Context
- This is the second and final meeting between the two teams this season. The Devils won the first encounter 3-0 on October 14, with goals from Seamus Casey, Stefan Noesen, and Nico Hischier. Jake Allen recorded a shutout in that game. Utah will look to avenge that loss and continue their strong home form.
Game Dynamics and Strategies
- The Devils will aim to leverage their elite defensive play, as they rank second in the league in goals allowed per game (2.50). Their penalty kill, ranked third in the NHL at 83.4%, will be crucial in neutralizing Utah’s power play.
- Utah, on the other hand, will look to capitalize on their recent offensive momentum. They have scored eight power-play goals in their last six games and will need to maintain that efficiency against New Jersey’s disciplined defense.
New Jersey Devils 5.5
Utah Hockey Club – 118
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, February 28, 2025
