After a thrilling 2-1 shootout victory over the Vegas Golden Knights on Wednesday, the New Jersey Devils are officially back in a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.
— New Jersey Devils (@NJDevils) December 18, 2025
Despite their struggles over the past month, the team has at least stayed within striking distance of a top-three spot in the Metropolitan Division, although a crown seems less likely with the Carolina Hurricanes pulling away from the pack. The Devils will also have plenty of reinforcements coming back from injury; Brett Pesce returned on Wednesday and immediately provided stability to the defense, Johnathan Kovacevic should be back shortly into the New Year, and Jack Hughes should return on schedule (or possibly before).