New Jersey Devils vs Tampa Bay Lightning Picks and Predictions January 11th 2025

Devils desperate to turn power play around vs. stingy Lightning

The New Jersey Devils have been among the NHL’s best on the power play this season, but recent struggles on the man advantage have coincided with a rough stretch in their campaign. As they return home to host the Tampa Bay Lightning on Saturday in Newark, N.J., they’re desperate to regain their early-season spark against a stingy penalty-killing unit.

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Devils’ Power Play Woes

Through their first 44 games, the Devils have converted 28% of their power-play opportunities, ranking second in the NHL. However, their performance has taken a sharp downturn since late December. After scoring three power-play goals in a 5-0 victory over the New York Rangers on Dec. 23, New Jersey has gone just 1-for-16 in its last seven games, with a 2-4-1 record during that span.

The struggles were evident in Thursday’s 3-2 overtime loss to the Rangers, where the Devils went 0-for-4 on the power play despite generating four shots on goal during those opportunities. Even-strength goals from Jack Hughes and Jesper Bratt kept the Devils competitive, but the lack of special teams production remains a glaring issue.

“We’re taking positive steps, but there are things we’d like to do better,” said Devils coach Sheldon Keefe. “Special teams are a major factor, and they can change the course of a game. We need to capitalize on those moments.”

Before this slump, New Jersey had been effective with the man advantage, going 4-for-13 during a 5-1-0 run earlier in the season. Reviving that form will be critical against a disciplined Lightning squad.

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Lightning’s Defensive Prowess

The Tampa Bay Lightning head into Newark on a high, following consecutive home wins against top-tier opponents—the Carolina Hurricanes and Boston Bruins. A cornerstone of their success has been their penalty-killing unit, which has gone 17-for-17 over the last eight games. During this span, they’ve also scored four short-handed goals, showcasing their ability to turn defensive situations into offensive opportunities.

“If there’s a chance to attack and create something, we’ll take it,” said Lightning forward Anthony Cirelli. “But our first focus is always killing the penalty and shutting down their chances.”

Tampa Bay’s penalty-killing excellence was on full display in a 4-0 win over the Devils earlier this season on Nov. 16, where they held New Jersey scoreless on four power-play attempts. They’ll aim to replicate that effort on Saturday.

Momentum and Key Performers

While the Devils are trying to break out of their slump, the Lightning have been building momentum. In Thursday’s 4-1 win over Boston, Brayden Point scored a power-play goal in the final minute, contributing to a season-long trend of success when he scores (15-5-1 record). Anthony Cirelli and Brandon Hagel also added goals, while Nikita Kucherov delivered two assists, bringing his season total of multi-point games to 16.

The Devils, meanwhile, will look to stars like Jack Hughes and Jesper Bratt to provide offensive firepower. Hughes, in particular, has been a standout, consistently generating scoring opportunities even as the team struggles to convert on the power play.

What’s at Stake

This matchup highlights a battle of strengths: the Devils’ power play, which has shown elite potential, against the Lightning’s penalty kill, currently among the league’s best. Both teams are looking to solidify playoff positioning as the season approaches its midpoint, adding extra urgency to Saturday’s game.

Keys to Victory

For the Devils:

1. Power Play Precision: Improved puck movement and traffic in front of the net will be critical to breaking through Tampa Bay’s penalty kill.
2. Discipline: Limiting penalties to keep the Lightning’s potent offense off the power play is essential.
3. Capitalizing on Momentum: Contributions from Hughes, Bratt, and others at even strength can help offset any lingering struggles on the man advantage.

For the Lightning:

1. Maintain Defensive Discipline: Continued excellence on the penalty kill will frustrate the Devils and tilt momentum in Tampa Bay’s favor.
2. Leverage Star Power: Players like Brayden Point and Nikita Kucherov must keep delivering in key moments.
3. Consistency Across Periods: As coach Jon Cooper noted, staying steady through the ups and downs is vital to success in a competitive league.

Final Thoughts

Saturday’s showdown between the Devils and Lightning pits two competitive teams with contrasting trends against one another. The Devils need to shake off their power-play slump to compete with Tampa Bay’s elite penalty-killing unit, while the Lightning aim to extend their run of consistent play. With playoff implications on the line, this game promises to be a test of resilience and execution.