New Jersey Devils vs Boston Bruins Picks and Predictions January 22nd 2025

Busy Bruins visit Devils for first meeting of season

The Boston Bruins head to Newark, New Jersey, on Wednesday night for their first matchup of the season against the New Jersey Devils. As both teams eye playoff positioning, the Bruins look to maintain their recent momentum, while the Devils aim to shake off a frustrating slump.

Bruins Riding a Points Streak into a Packed Schedule

The Bruins are in the middle of a demanding stretch, playing four games in six days. Despite the tight schedule, Boston has been firing on all cylinders, posting a four-game points streak (3-0-1) that has lifted them back above the Eastern Conference playoff line.

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Secondary Scoring Sparks Bruins

Boston’s 6-3 win over the San Jose Sharks on Monday highlighted the importance of secondary scoring. While David Pastrnak scored in his fourth straight game, the standout performance came from Charlie Coyle, who netted two pivotal third-period goals to break a 10-game scoring drought. Rookie Matt Poitras, recently recalled from the AHL, played a critical role in setting up both goals alongside captain Brad Marchand.

“You can’t just rely on one or two players or one line to produce most of your offense,” Bruins interim coach Joe Sacco emphasized. “We need secondary scoring. We need other guys to chip in when they can.”

Coyle’s contribution was a confidence booster. “It can create some confidence, but it’s not like you go into games saying, ‘Hey, I’ve got to score.’ As long as we play the right way, that’s what I try to do day in and day out,” Coyle said.

A Focus on Defensive Identity

While the Bruins have been scoring consistently, Sacco stressed the need to return to their defense-first philosophy. “We know there’s runway left, but it’s getting smaller,” Sacco said. “We have to make sure our guys are ready to play the next game.”

Boston will face a tough stretch, with four of their final five games in January against current playoff teams. Help could come soon in the form of returning defensemen Charlie McAvoy and Hampus Lindholm, though forward Mark Kastelic remains sidelined after sustaining an injury on Monday. The Bruins have called up Patrick Brown and Max Jones from their AHL affiliate in Providence to bolster their lineup.

Devils Struggling to Find Momentum

In contrast, the Devils enter the matchup in a slump. New Jersey is 1-2-3 since their last regulation win on January 6 and has slipped to third place in the Metropolitan Division. Their most recent outing, a 2-1 loss to the Ottawa Senators on Sunday, exposed their struggles to capitalize on offensive opportunities despite dominating stretches of play.

Searching for Offensive Consistency

New Jersey’s lone goal against Ottawa came from Tomas Tatar in the second period, following a dominant first period where the Devils held a 16-2 shot advantage. Still, finishing remains an issue.

“When you’re in this position, you just have to simplify things,” Devils coach Sheldon Keefe explained. “Play very good structurally. It’s going to come eventually, but we can’t just be doing whatever out there.”

Top forwards Jesper Bratt and Timo Meier have yet to produce at the expected level during this stretch, and Keefe didn’t mince words: “Our best players have to be better. It’s that simple. End of statement.”

Adopting a Fresh Mindset

The Devils are determined to reset as they close out their three-game homestand. Defenseman Brett Pesce spoke about the team’s attitude moving forward: “It’s a new day. The past is the past. Obviously, we know we’ve been slumping a little here. Every team goes through adversity… We’re coming into Wednesday with a fresh mindset.”

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Key Storylines to Watch

1. Boston’s Balanced Attack: Can the Bruins continue to find secondary scoring and maintain their defensive discipline against a hungry Devils team?
2. New Jersey’s Top Players: Will Bratt, Meier, and other stars step up to deliver the offensive boost the Devils need to end their slump?
3. Goaltending Duel: With both teams eager for points, steady performances in net could determine the outcome.
4. Playoff Implications: While there’s still plenty of hockey left, this game could have significant implications for playoff positioning in the Eastern Conference.

Conclusion

The matchup between the Bruins and Devils offers a tale of two teams headed in opposite directions. Boston is riding a wave of confidence, thanks to contributions across the roster, while New Jersey is working to regain its footing after a tough stretch. With both teams motivated to solidify their playoff positions, Wednesday’s game promises to be a hard-fought battle.

For the Bruins, maintaining their defensive identity and secondary scoring will be crucial. Meanwhile, the Devils will rely on their top players to spark a turnaround and rediscover their winning form. Which team will rise to the occasion? Fans won’t have to wait long to find out.