The New Jersey Devils are set to face off against the Chicago Blackhawks at the United Center on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, with the puck dropping at 7:30 p.m. ET. This matchup comes at a crucial time for the Devils, who are looking to snap a three-game losing streak after a disappointing home stand. The Devils have struggled recently, posting a record of 5-7-1 with a minus-12 goal differential since late February. Meanwhile, the Blackhawks, who recently ended a seven-game losing streak with a resounding 7-3 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers, are still languishing at the bottom of the Central Division.
As the Devils embark on a three-game road trip, they aim to capitalize on their previous win against the Blackhawks earlier this season, leading the season series 1-0. The Devils are currently in a tight race for playoff positioning, sitting third in the Metropolitan Division with 81 points and a record of 37-28-7. In contrast, the Blackhawks have been eliminated from playoff contention and hold a dismal 21-4-19 record.
BetMGM Sportsbook has the Devils favored at -225 on the moneyline, while the Blackhawks sit at +185. The puck line is set at Devils -1.5 (+115) and Blackhawks +1.5 (-140), with an over/under of 5.5 goals. This indicates a belief that the Devils will not only win but do so convincingly. The Devils have averaged an impressive 4.50 goals per game in their last four meetings with the Blackhawks, while Chicago has allowed an alarming 4.00 goals per game over their last ten contests.
In terms of player performances, Jacob Markstrom is projected to be in net for the Devils. Markstrom has had a rough patch lately, allowing three goals on 28 shots in his last outing against the Vancouver Canucks, contributing to his .842 save percentage in March. On the other side, Spencer Knight will be guarding the goal for the Blackhawks, having performed well in his recent game against Philadelphia, making 25 saves on 29 shots. Knight, however, has struggled in the four games prior, posting an .870 save percentage.
One player to watch for the Devils is Luke Hughes, who has emerged as a key offensive contributor. Hughes has amassed 16 points over his last 20 games, ranking him seventh among all defensemen during that span. With injuries to Dougie Hamilton and Jonas Siegenthaler, Hughes has stepped up, averaging 24 minutes of ice time per game and taking over as the quarterback on the power play. His contributions will be vital as the Devils look to exploit a Blackhawks defense that has allowed at least three goals in ten consecutive games.
Dawson Mercer is another player to keep an eye on. With Jack Hughes sidelined, Mercer has shifted to center and is seeing increased responsibilities, including a spot on the power play. Mercer has consistently recorded multiple shots in games where he attempts three or more shots, making him a valuable asset for the Devils in this matchup.
The Devils have historically performed well against the Blackhawks, winning five straight and seven of their last eight matchups. Six of those victories have come by multi-goal margins, showcasing their dominance. The Devils are also known for bouncing back quickly from losing streaks, having dropped more than three games in a row only once this season. This resilience will be tested tonight against a struggling Blackhawks team.
In terms of strategy, the Devils will aim to leverage their offensive prowess and capitalize on the Blackhawks’ defensive weaknesses. Chicago has given up the fourth-most points to defensemen this season, making it an opportune time for Hughes to shine. The Devils' power play has been effective recently, converting 8 of 27 opportunities over the last ten games, which could be another critical factor in tonight's game.
As the game approaches, fans can catch the action on TNT or stream it via various platforms, including DirecTV Stream and SlingTV. With the stakes high for the Devils and the Blackhawks looking to build on their recent success, this matchup promises to be an exciting contest.
In summary, the New Jersey Devils are determined to turn their fortunes around against the Chicago Blackhawks tonight at the United Center. With key players stepping up and a favorable historical record against Chicago, the Devils will look to secure a much-needed victory and keep their playoff hopes alive.
