The New Jersey Devils are heading into the final leg of their Western road trip with a massive head of steam. Fresh off a thrilling 5-4 victory over the Vancouver Canucks, the Devils are set to take on the Seattle Kraken at Climate Pledge Arena. This New Jersey Devils vs. Seattle Kraken matchup features two teams fighting for playoff positioning as the NHL season enters its critical second half.
The Cody Glass Factor: Momentum in the Jersey Lineup
The biggest storyline heading into this contest is the red-hot play of Cody Glass. In Friday night’s victory over Vancouver, Glass was the undisputed star, recording two goals and an assist to lead New Jersey to its third consecutive win. Glass now has 12 goals on the season and has become a focal point of the Devils' offensive resurgence.
His second goal of the night against the Canucks showcased his chemistry with the top lines, as he gained position on veteran defenders to beat Kevin Lankinen. With Glass finding his rhythm, the Devils' middle six has become significantly more dangerous, providing the secondary scoring necessary to complement stars like Nico Hischier and Jack Hughes.
Devils Riding Western Canada Win Streak
New Jersey (27-22-2) has found its identity on the road, sweeping through Western Canada with three straight victories. The win in Vancouver wasn't just about Glass; it was a team effort that saw rookie Lenni Hameenaho net his first career NHL goal and captain Nico Hischier score his team-leading 16th goal of the campaign.
The Devils' special teams have also been a deciding factor. They went 2-for-3 on the power play against Vancouver, a trend they hope to carry into Seattle. Defensively, Jacob Markstrom has provided stability between the pipes, making 21 saves in his last outing to secure the win against his former team. His veteran presence will be vital against a Kraken team known for its balanced scoring attack.
Seattle Kraken Looking to Reset at Home
The Seattle Kraken (22-19-9) enter this game looking to regain their footing in the Pacific Division. While the Kraken have shown flashes of brilliance this season, they have struggled with consistency in recent weeks. Seattle will need a locked-in performance from goaltender Joey Daccord or Philipp Grubauer to weather the storm of a high-flying Devils offense.
Key players for Seattle include Jared McCann and Vince Dunn, who have been the primary engines for the Kraken's offensive production. Seattle's defensive structure will be tested by the speed of New Jersey's transition game, especially with the way the Devils' blue line, led by Dougie Hamilton and Luke Hughes, joins the rush.
Season Series and Key Matchups
This is the second meeting of the month between these two clubs. On January 14, the Devils edged out the Kraken in a 3-2 overtime thriller at the Prudential Center. In that game, Nico Hischier proved to be the hero, scoring the game-winner with just over a minute left in the extra frame. Seattle will undoubtedly be looking for revenge on home ice.
- Power Play Battle: New Jersey’s power play is currently clicking at a high rate, while Seattle’s penalty kill has been middle-of-the-pack.
- Goaltending Duel: Whether it is Markstrom vs. Daccord or a backup battle, the goaltenders will need to be sharp given the offensive talent on both sides.
- Transition Game: The Kraken must limit turnovers in the neutral zone, as the Devils’ speed can turn a giveaway into a goal in seconds.
Final Outlook for New Jersey vs. Seattle
As the New Jersey Devils vs. Seattle Kraken puck drop approaches, the momentum clearly favors the visitors. However, the Kraken are notoriously tough to beat at Climate Pledge Arena, where the "32nd franchise" atmosphere often fuels late-game surges. For the Devils, the goal is simple: continue feeding Cody Glass and maintain the disciplined defensive play that has defined their recent winning streak. For Seattle, it’s about stopping the bleeding and proving they can shut down elite Eastern Conference talent.
Sources & Original Reporting
