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Devils, Predators Battle to Keep Winning Streaks Alive
The past couple of months have been a rollercoaster for the New Jersey Devils, but they’re hoping a strong effort—despite a recent loss—can spark a turnaround as they kick off a five-game road trip against the Nashville Predators on Sunday.
New Jersey is coming off a 4-2 loss to the Dallas Stars on Saturday, continuing their pattern of alternating wins and losses over the past seven games. They’ve struggled with consistency, going 7-10-3 in their last 20 games, a slump that started after a Dec. 28 loss to Carolina snapped a three-game winning streak.
At that time, the Devils were leading the Metropolitan Division. Fast forward to now, and they’ve dropped to third place, sitting 14 points behind the Washington Capitals.
Signs of Progress?
Despite their recent struggles, Devils head coach Sheldon Keefe saw positives in their latest performance.
“From a process standpoint, the things we were struggling with before the break, we improved on,” Keefe said. “We had more energy, more legs. We gave up some high-danger chances, but overall, we played well.”
One big bright spot? Jack Hughes.
Fresh off playing for Team USA in the 4 Nations Face-Off championship game, Hughes wasted no time making an impact, scoring both of New Jersey’s goals against Dallas. He now has five goals in his last four games and 11 points (eight goals, three assists) in his last nine.
“He’s been incredible for us all year,” said Devils captain Nico Hischier. “Two huge goals when we needed them—Jack always steps up.”
Predators Finding Their Groove?
Meanwhile, the Nashville Predators are looking to win three straight games for the first time in over a month. They’re coming off a 2-1 win against the Colorado Avalanche, a much-needed boost in what has been a disappointing season.
Big offseason signings like Steven Stamkos, Jonathan Marchessault, and Brady Skjei raised expectations, but the team has struggled, currently sitting 16 points out of a playoff spot and 30th in the NHL in points.
Still, the Predators aren’t throwing in the towel.
“We’re focused on playing the right way,” said defenseman Luke Schenn. “We know where we stand in the playoff race, but there’s a lot of pride in this locker room. We’re playing for each other and giving an honest effort.”
Marchessault sealed the win over Colorado with a clutch goal in the third period, giving him 18 goals this season, second only to Filip Forsberg (21 goals). His hot streak continues, with seven points (three goals, four assists) in the last four games.
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Building Toward the Future
Despite their current struggles, Nashville head coach Andrew Brunette believes these final games matter in shaping the team’s future.
“It was a really positive win for our group,” Brunette said. “We need to find that winning mentality and build on it. It’s about setting the right culture moving forward.”
As the Devils and Predators clash in Nashville, both teams have something to prove. Can the Devils break their inconsistency, or will the Predators continue their momentum?
