The New Jersey Devils approach their March 29, 2025, matchup against the Minnesota Wild with a season record of 38-29-7, positioning them in a competitive battle for an Eastern Conference playoff spot. Their recent form has been inconsistent, highlighted by a 4-0 defeat to the Winnipeg Jets on March 28, where they struggled to generate offense and were shut out for the first time in several games. This loss marked their fifth defeat in seven games, underscoring the team’s recent challenges. Offensively, the Devils have been led by Jesper Bratt, who has accumulated 84 points this season, including 20 goals and 64 assists. Bratt’s playmaking abilities have been a cornerstone of New Jersey’s attack. However, the team has been dealing with significant injuries that have impacted their offensive depth. Captain Nico Hischier, who has contributed 30 goals and 29 assists, has been sidelined with an upper-body injury since late January and is considered week-to-week. Additionally, star center Jack Hughes was placed on long-term injured reserve in early March due to a shoulder injury, ruling him out for the remainder of the regular season. These absences have placed additional pressure on players like Timo Meier, who has recorded 22 goals and 25 assists, to step up offensively.

Defensively, the Devils have faced challenges, allowing an average of 3.1 goals per game. The absence of defenseman Dougie Hamilton, who was ruled out for the remainder of the regular season due to a lower-body injury sustained in early March, has been a significant blow to their blue line. In goal, Jacob Markström has been the primary starter, posting a 2.36 goals-against average (GAA) and a .902 save percentage over 41 games. Backup Jake Allen has also seen considerable action, notably making 45 saves in a 2-1 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets on March 17. Despite these individual performances, the team’s defensive inconsistencies have been a recurring issue. Special teams have been a mixed aspect for New Jersey. Their power play has been effective, operating at a 28.1% success rate, ranking them among the league’s top units. However, their penalty kill has been less reliable, with a success rate of 82.3%, indicating room for improvement. The Devils’ recent struggles are further highlighted by their performance against the Vancouver Canucks on March 25, where they suffered a 4-3 shootout loss. Despite Timo Meier’s two-goal effort, they were unable to secure the win, reflecting their challenges in closing out tight games. As they prepare to face the Wild, the Devils will need to address their defensive lapses and find ways to compensate for the absence of key players. The contributions of depth players and the performance of their goaltenders will be crucial in determining their success in this matchup. Securing a victory against a strong Minnesota team could provide the momentum needed to solidify their playoff aspirations.