The New Jersey Devils, entering their March 22, 2025, matchup against the Ottawa Senators at the Prudential Center, have solidified themselves as a formidable force in the Metropolitan Division, boasting a 34-25-6 record that reflects a season of consistent performance and strategic excellence. Under the astute leadership of head coach Lindy Ruff, the Devils have cultivated a dynamic offensive strategy complemented by a staunch defensive system, positioning them as serious contenders in the Eastern Conference playoff race. Central to their success is the exceptional play of center Jack Hughes, whose 68 points, including 26 goals, underscore his evolution into one of the league’s premier playmakers. Hughes’s agility, vision, and puck-handling skills have been instrumental in driving the Devils’ offense, often dictating the tempo of play and creating numerous scoring opportunities. Supporting Hughes is winger Jesper Bratt, whose team-leading 51 assists highlight his adept playmaking abilities and chemistry with linemates, contributing significantly to the Devils’ offensive depth. The acquisition of veteran forward Tomas Tatar has added experience and scoring touch, further bolstering the team’s top-six forward group. Defensively, the Devils have been exemplary, allowing a mere 2.52 goals per game, ranking them second in the league for goals against. This defensive prowess is anchored by the steady presence of defenseman Dougie Hamilton, whose ability to log substantial minutes, coupled with his offensive contributions, has been invaluable. Hamilton’s partnership with the emerging talent of Luke Hughes has provided a blend of experience and youthful exuberance on the blue line, enhancing the team’s transitional play and defensive reliability. Goaltender Jacob Markstrom has been a cornerstone of New Jersey’s defensive success, posting a .912 save percentage and recording four shutouts. Markstrom’s consistency and composure under pressure have instilled confidence in the team’s defensive schemes, often serving as the last line of defense against high-danger scoring chances and playing a crucial role in maintaining the Devils’ position near the top of the league in key defensive metrics. His rebound control and positioning have allowed the team to confidently push forward with an aggressive forecheck, knowing their netminder can handle odd-man situations or quick counterattacks.

The special teams units have also been a significant factor in New Jersey’s success this season. The power play, operating at a remarkable 28% efficiency, ranks among the NHL’s elite, with Hughes, Bratt, Hamilton, and Dawson Mercer forming a cohesive and dangerous unit that thrives on puck movement, sharp angles, and creating chaos in front of the net. The penalty kill, functioning at an 82.5% success rate, has been equally effective, relying on aggressive pressure up top, quick zone clears, and a disciplined structure that limits cross-ice passing and high-danger chances. On home ice, the Devils have been consistently strong, feeding off the energy of the Prudential Center crowd and dictating the tempo of games early, often establishing a lead within the first 10 minutes and then locking things down defensively. Their ability to transition quickly from defense to offense has made them lethal in second periods and during line matchups, with Ruff expertly managing deployments to maximize his team’s strengths and exploit defensive weaknesses in opponents. Against a Senators team that can be opportunistic and physical, the Devils will aim to use their superior speed and puck control to avoid getting drawn into scrappy, disorganized play. Expect a heavy focus on zone time, particularly keeping Ottawa pinned in their own end through extended cycles and rapid puck movement, tiring out their defense and forcing mismatches. The Devils will also be looking to clean up faceoffs, an area of inconsistency, particularly in the defensive zone, where a lost draw could lead to immediate scoring chances for skilled Senators players like Stützle or Tkachuk. The Devils’ ability to dominate in expected goals and Corsi metrics highlights their control of possession and shot volume, and in a game where every point is vital for playoff seeding, New Jersey will look to play a disciplined, high-paced game with an emphasis on taking advantage of power play opportunities while denying Ottawa clean looks at 5-on-5. While the Senators have been competitive, especially recently, the Devils’ blend of star power, defensive excellence, and structured play, along with their track record of recent ATS success and dominance at home, puts them in an ideal position to secure two points. With their top players firing on all cylinders, a red-hot power play, and a goalie in Markstrom who’s shown he can carry the load, the Devils are poised not only to win this matchup but to continue building momentum toward a deep postseason push, reinforcing their identity as one of the most balanced and dangerous teams in the Eastern Conference.