In the final stretch of the
NHL regular season,
New Jersey Devils face off against
Boston Bruins on April 8, 2025. Both teams are jostling for playoff positioning, making this clash a crucial one. The Devils, sitting comfortably in the playoff bubble, are looking to cement their spot, while the Bruins are fighting to maintain their footing in a competitive Eastern Conference.
Roster Rundown
New Jersey Devils boast a dynamic lineup, spearheaded by Jack Hughes, who’s racked up an impressive 85 points this season with 35 goals and 50 assists. Hughes' playmaking abilities make him a constant threat. Timo Meier’s been a force on the wing, contributing 30 goals and providing that needed grit near the boards. Nico Hischier, the Devils' captain, has led by example, netting 28 goals and showing relentless hustle. Dougie Hamilton anchors the blue line, his 55 points from defense a testament to his two-way play. Missing from the Devils' lineup, however, are Brett Pesce and Curtis Lazar, both nursing injuries that could impact depth.
For Bruins, David Pastrnak shines, leading the team with 45 goals, a true sniper with a wicked slapper. Brad Marchand, notorious for his tenacious style, brings 70 points into this game, a mix of goals and assists. Charlie McAvoy controls the defensive end, his physicality matched by his 40 assists. Jeremy Swayman, the goalie, has been a wall with a .920 save percentage. Notable absences include Elias Lindholm and Nikita Zadorov, both sidelined, potentially weakening their defensive core.
Head-to-Head
In their storied rivalry, Bruins have generally had the upper hand, winning 35 of their last 54 meetings. The Devils have managed to clinch 18 victories. The last matchup saw Devils win 3-2 against Bruins on January 15, 2025, indicative of their rising confidence in recent encounters.
Recent Form
Devils have been on a roll, winning four out of their last five games. They blanked New York Rangers 4-0, edged Minnesota Wild twice with scores of 3-2 and 5-2, and bested Chicago Blackhawks 5-3. Their only blemish came against Winnipeg Jets, a 4-0 loss that seemed more of an anomaly than a trend.
Bruins, meanwhile, have struggled, winning only once in their last five. They triumphed over Carolina Hurricanes 5-1 but suffered defeats at the hands of Buffalo Sabres (6-3), Montreal Canadiens (4-1), Washington Capitals (4-3), and Detroit Red Wings (2-1). Their slump is concerning, especially with playoffs looming.
Wrap-Up
The Devils are riding high on a wave of momentum, their recent victories showcasing a squad clicking at just the right time. Bruins, in contrast, seem to have hit a rough patch, and the absence of key players like Lindholm and Zadorov exacerbates their woes. With both teams at critical junctures, this match-up promises to be more than just another game—it's a potential playoff preview.
Summary
Given the Devils' current form and the Bruins' recent struggles, New Jersey has a slight edge heading into this matchup. Their offensive firepower, led by Hughes and Meier, combined with a solid defensive core, might just be too much for a Bruins team that’s found it tough to keep pucks out of their net lately. While Boston has proven they can surprise, the momentum seems firmly in New Jersey's corner.
Match Odds New Jersey Devils – Boston Bruins
Leon's odds are - on New Jersey Devils winning on their territory.
At this moment our odds are equal to - on Boston Bruins visiting team's winning.
Draw odds are -.
