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Devils Face Challenging Homestand

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  Published in House and Home on Monday, February 2nd 2026 at 18:25 GMT by TheHockey Writers
      Locales: UNITED STATES, FINLAND

Newark, NJ - February 2nd, 2026 - The New Jersey Devils return to the familiar confines of the Prudential Center this week for a pivotal three-game homestand, facing off against the Winnipeg Jets, Nashville Predators, and Carolina Hurricanes. Currently holding a record of 28-14-3 with 59 points - a strong 3rd place standing in the East Division - the Devils are looking to solidify their playoff positioning and address some recent inconsistencies.

Week Ahead: A Challenging Schedule

The week kicks off Tuesday, February 2nd, with a matchup against the Winnipeg Jets (7:00 PM EST). The Jets, known for their strong goaltending and physical play, will provide a stern test for the Devils' offensive firepower. Thursday, February 4th brings the Nashville Predators to Newark (7:00 PM EST). Nashville has been a consistently competitive team in recent years, boasting a deep roster and a well-structured defensive system. The homestand concludes Saturday, February 6th with a clash against the Carolina Hurricanes (7:00 PM EST). The Hurricanes, perennial contenders, represent arguably the toughest test of the three, known for their relentless forecheck and strong team chemistry.

Beyond the Scoresheet: Key Storylines

The Hameenaho Revelation: The emergence of rookie defenseman Oliver Hameenaho has been one of the most encouraging developments for the Devils this season. Called up from the Utica Comets, Hameenaho hasn't just filled a roster spot - he's quickly become an integral part of the Devils' defensive core. His poise under pressure, intelligent puck movement, and surprisingly mature hockey sense have impressed both coaching staff and fans alike. Observers have noted his ability to read the play, anticipate opponent's moves, and effectively support both offensively and defensively. The Devils' coaching staff will be closely monitoring his stamina and consistency as the season progresses, but the initial signs are remarkably positive. His impact goes beyond statistics; he's brought a calmness and stability to the backend that was previously lacking.

Offensive Fluctuations: While the Devils possess a wealth of offensive talent - led by captain Jack Hughes - they've struggled to consistently translate that potential into goals, particularly during their recent road trip. Too often, promising offensive zones have fizzled out due to turnovers or a lack of net-front presence. The coaching staff is expected to explore potential line adjustments to spark the offense, possibly pairing Hughes with different linemates to create more scoring opportunities. Timo Meier, a key offseason acquisition, has experienced a recent scoring slump and finding a way to get him back on track is paramount to the Devils' success. The team's power play, while capable of brilliance, has also been inconsistent and needs to convert more often.

Prudential Center Advantage: The Devils have demonstrated a clear home-ice advantage this season, consistently performing better at the Prudential Center than on the road. The energy of the home crowd seems to invigorate the team, providing a boost to both offense and defense. The upcoming homestand represents a valuable opportunity to capitalize on this advantage and gain crucial points in the standings. The team is keenly aware of the importance of protecting their home ice and feeding off the support of their fans.

Players to Monitor

• Jack Hughes: The Devils' captain remains the engine of the offense. His speed, skill, and playmaking ability are essential to the team's success. Expect him to be heavily involved in all aspects of the game this week.
• Timo Meier: Regaining his scoring touch is crucial. The Devils need Meier to be a consistent threat, providing secondary scoring and relieving pressure off Hughes.
• Luke Hughes: The younger Hughes is quickly establishing himself as an offensive force from the blue line. His skating and puck-handling skills make him a dangerous player in the offensive zone.
• Oliver Hameenaho: All eyes will be on the rookie defenseman to see if he can maintain his impressive early-season form. His performance will be key to the Devils' defensive stability.

Looking Forward

This week's homestand is more than just three games; it's a statement opportunity for the New Jersey Devils. A strong performance against these tough opponents could solidify their place among the Eastern Conference elite. The continued development of Hameenaho and the re-emergence of offensive consistency will be key indicators of their potential for a deep playoff run.