The Devils' Struggle: Can They Overcome the Injuries?
By Sam Kasan and Marc Ciampa, NewJerseyDevils.com
December 13, 2025
Get ready for an exciting game day as the New Jersey Devils aim to break their five-game home losing streak! They face the Anaheim Ducks at 12:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, and you can catch all the action on MSG, NHL Network, and Gotham Sports.
Let's dive into the game preview, brought to you by Donnelly Energy.
The Devils will be without Arseny Gritsyuk for the next two games, a significant blow to their lineup. But here's where it gets controversial... the Devils' head coach, Sheldon Keefe, has some bold strategies to discuss.
In a pre-game interview, Keefe revealed that defenseman Simon Nemec will be out with a lower-body injury, adding to the team's growing injury list. However, Keefe emphasized the need for the team to 'lean in' and focus on their daily principles, despite the adversity.
The Devils are facing a formidable opponent in the Anaheim Ducks, known for their speed, skill, and offensive prowess. The Ducks lead the league in odd-man rushes and have the NHL's 2nd-best offense. Keefe highlighted the importance of smart play in the neutral zone to prevent the Ducks from gaining momentum.
And this is the part most people miss... Keefe wants his defensemen to be aggressive and pinching in the offensive zone, adding an extra layer of offense. It's a risky strategy, but one that could pay dividends if executed correctly.
The Devils are currently in a slump, having dropped six of their last seven games. They've fallen from the top of the conference and are now tied with Pittsburgh for the second wild card spot. Key players like Jesper Bratt and Timo Meier have been struggling, with Bratt going 17 games without a goal before his recent tally against the Tampa Bay Lightning.
The Ducks, on the other hand, have had a strong season so far, but injuries to their top goaltenders have caused a slight slip. Leo Carlsson and Cutter Gauthier are having career years, with Carlsson leading the team in goals and points.
In terms of injuries, the Devils are dealing with a significant number of absentees, including Gritsyuk, J. Hughes, Pesce, Dadonov, Kovacevic, McLaughlin, MacEwen, and Meier. The Ducks also have their fair share of injuries, with Dostal and Mrazek out.
Despite the challenges, the Devils are determined to turn things around. Saturday's game is also Devils Youth Foundation Day, with kids taking over various roles, including PA announcements and player headshots. It's a special day to celebrate the community and the future of the sport.
Will the Devils' strategies pay off? Can they overcome their injuries and get back on track? Join the conversation and share your thoughts in the comments! We want to hear your opinions on this intriguing matchup.
