The Devils (11-4-0, first in the Metropolitan), after two impressive home wins, will host their longtime rivals New York Islanders (7-6-2, fifth in the Metropolitan) Monday night at the Prudential Center.
Overview
The Devils have proven themselves to be home warriors to begin their 2025–26 campaign. They have won seven straight games at the Prudential Center to start the season, with the past three being decided in extra time. Their 2–1 shootout win over the Penguins on Saturday gave them sole control of first place in the Metropolitan Division.
New Jersey did announce a roster move on Sunday. They sent down forward Brian Halonen to Utica (AHL) with the likely impending return of forwards Zack MacEwen and Connor Brown.
The Islanders, on the other hand, have had a rollercoaster start to their season. After opening 0-3-0, the Islanders have bounced back nicely, winning seven of their last 12. Bo Horvat, who scored twice in the Islanders’ 5–0 win over the Rangers on Saturday, has been leading the way for them this season. His 11 goals so far have him tied for third in the NHL, behind only Cole Caufield and Nathan MacKinnon.
Lines
Devils
Forwards
Noesen-Hughes-Bratt
Meier-Hischier-Mercer
Palat-Glass-Gritsyuk
Cotter-Lammikko-Glendening
Defense
Siegenthaler-Nemec
Dillon-Hughes
Cholowski-White
Goalies
Markstrom
Allen
Islanders
Forward’s
Heineman-Horvat-Palmieri
Drouin-Barzal-Holmstrom
Lee-Pageu-Duclair
Tsyplakov-Cizikas-Ricthie
Defense
Schaefer-Pulock
Pelech-DeAngelo
Romanov-Mayfield
Goalies
Sorykin
Rittich
Keys to the Game
Shutting Down Schaefer
Bo Horvat isn’t the only Islander off to an impressive start this season. 2025 first-overall pick Matthew Schaefer has been a revelation for an Islanders defense that lost arguably its best blueliner, Noah Dobson, this offseason. The 18-year-old leads all rookie defensemen with five goals and 11 points so far this season and is currently the betting favorite to win the Calder Trophy.
Schaefer’s defensive game has been equally strong. His 2.47 expected goals against per 60 (xGA/60) highlights just how valuable the youngster has been. The Devils will need to contain Schaefer on both ends of the ice in what will be the first of many meetings with the rookie.
Next Man Up Mentality
The Devils continue to battle through a multitude of injuries this season, particularly on the right side of their defense, which has been decimated. With Dougie Hamilton, Brett Pesce, and Jonathan Kovacevic all out, Simon Nemec remains the lone right-shot defenseman on the roster. The third-year blueliner stepped up in a big way during the win over Pittsburgh, registering a career-high 26:39 of ice time.
He wasn’t the only young defenseman to rise to the occasion. Luke Hughes logged 29:39 of ice time on Saturday, following 28:56 on Thursday night — by far the two highest totals of his season. Expect another heavy workload for him and Nemec tonight.
Where to Watch
Monday night’s game can be seen on MSGSN at 7:00 pm ET.