- Oct 16, 2026
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SportsMafia Wire graphic. Team logos and player headshots via ESPN.
The New Jersey Devils hold a 4-4 record after eight games of the 2026-27 season following a 4-2 loss to the Washington Capitals on Saturday afternoon.
New Jersey's offense has found rhythm since a line change, scoring 19 goals over the past five contests for an average of 3.80 per game. The club ranks tied for 14th in the league at 3.13 goals per game overall. Arseny Gritsyuk contributed three goals in his last four appearances after moving to the Hughes line. Timo Meier netted his first goal of the season in the defeat to Washington, while Anthony Mantha shifted from the Hughes line to skate with Evan Rodrigues.
Despite generating chances, the Devils have struggled to convert. The team shares the second-most high-danger shots in the NHL with the Utah Mammoth at 88, yet carries a 13.6 percent conversion rate in those situations, ranking 26th. Their overall shooting percentage sits at 8.9 percent, 28th in the league. Nico Hischier has scored all four of his goals this season from high-danger areas.
The defense and goaltending have drawn criticism as areas of concern. Luke Evangelista remains out with illness but is expected back this week. The Devils face eight consecutive games against Western Conference opponents next, including two matchups with the Colorado Avalanche.
Written by the SportsMafia Wire desk in our own words from the original reporting (AI-assisted, checked against the source).