New Jersey Devils vs Ottawa Senators Prediction

New Jersey Devils vs Ottawa Senators Game Analysis | 31-01-2026 | NHL

As the NHL regular season progresses, the New Jersey Devils (28-24-2) are set to face the Ottawa Senators (25-21-7) on January 31, 2026, at 7:00 PM EST at the Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa. This matchup pits two Eastern Conference teams battling for playoff positioning, with the Devils holding a slight edge in the standings.

New Jersey Devils Team Performance

The Devils arrive in Ottawa with a respectable 28-24-2 record, indicative of a team that can compete but has experienced periods of inconsistency. Their offensive prowess, particularly through their top lines, remains a significant strength. However, defensive lapses and goaltending consistency have occasionally hampered their ability to close out games. The loss of key defensive depth due to injuries could further expose these vulnerabilities, requiring their forwards to commit even more to a two-way game.

New Jersey Devils Key Players

Points: Nico Hischier (41)
Goals: Nico Hischier (18)
Assists: Jesper Bratt (27)

Injury Report New Jersey Devils

Cody Glass (Day-to-day): Glass (undisclosed) will make the trip for Saturday’s clash in Ottawa, Amanda Stein of the Devils’ official site reports.
Luke Hughes (Injured reserve): Luke Hughes is on injured reserve with a long-term injury.
Zack MacEwen (Injured reserve): MacEwen had knee surgery and will be lost for the remainder of the season, Kristy Flannery of The Hockey News reports Saturday.

Ottawa Senators Team Performance

The Ottawa Senators, with a 25-21-7 record, have shown flashes of brilliance but continue to struggle with converting leads into regulation wins, evidenced by their seven overtime losses. Their offense is potent, driven by their young stars, but like the Devils, they often find themselves in high-scoring affairs, suggesting defensive structure can be an issue. Consistency across all three zones will be paramount for them to climb the standings.

Ottawa Senators Key Players

Points: Tim Stutzle (55)
Goals: Tim Stutzle (24)
Assists: Jake Sanderson (32)

Prediction: New Jersey Devils vs Ottawa Senators

Considering the Devils’ slightly superior record and offensive depth, even with key injuries on defense, their ability to generate scoring chances should give them an edge. However, the Senators’ home ice advantage and the dynamic play of Tim Stutzle will keep this game competitive. Given the recent trends and defensive challenges for both squads, we anticipate a tighter affair than might be expected. The predicted winner is the New Jersey Devils, with the total goals prediction set at under 5.5, as both teams may prioritize tighter defensive play to secure a crucial two points.

Last 5 Games: NJ

Form:

WLLWW

VS vs Nashville

W 3-2 OT

PTS 28-24-2

GOL Markstrom

AST Hischier

VS vs Winnipeg

L 4-3

PTS 27-24-2

GOL Allen

AST Hughes

VS @ Seattle

L 4-2

PTS 27-23-2

GOL Markstrom

AST Hamilton

VS @ Vancouver

W 5-4

PTS 27-22-2

GOL Markstrom

AST Glass

VS @ Edmonton

W 2-1

PTS 26-22-2

GOL Allen

AST Glass

Opponent	Result	Points	Goles	Assists
vs Nashville	W 3-2 OT	28-24-2	Markstrom	Hischier
vs Winnipeg	L 4-3	27-24-2	Allen	Hughes
@ Seattle	L 4-2	27-23-2	Markstrom	Hamilton
@ Vancouver	W 5-4	27-22-2	Markstrom	Glass
@ Edmonton	W 2-1	26-22-2	Allen	Glass

Last 5 Games: OTT

Form:

WWLLW

VS vs Colorado

W 5-2

PTS 25-21-7

GOL Reimer

AST Stutzle

VS vs Vegas

W 7-1

PTS 24-21-7

GOL Sogaard

AST Cozens

VS vs Carolina

L 4-1

PTS 23-21-7

GOL Reimer

AST Stutzle

VS @ Nashville

L 5-3

PTS 23-20-7

GOL Reimer

AST Greig

VS @ Columbus

W 4-1

PTS 23-19-7

GOL Reimer

AST Reimer

Opponent	Result	Points	Goles	Assists
vs Colorado	W 5-2	25-21-7	Reimer	Stutzle
vs Vegas	W 7-1	24-21-7	Sogaard	Cozens
vs Carolina	L 4-1	23-21-7	Reimer	Stutzle
@ Nashville	L 5-3	23-20-7	Reimer	Greig
@ Columbus	W 4-1	23-19-7	Reimer	Reimer

New Jersey Devils vs Ottawa Senators Prediction | NHL 31.01.26