Hockey is weird. One night you’re watching a tactical masterpiece, and the next, it’s basically a track meet with pucks. That’s exactly what the New Jersey Devils vs Chicago Blackhawks matchup has morphed into lately. It isn't just about two teams in different conferences anymore. Honestly, it's becoming a litmus test for the "New NHL" speed game.
New Jersey and Chicago are at totally different stages of their life cycles, yet when they hit the ice together, things get chaotic. Fast.
The Connor Bedard Factor and the Devils Problem
You've probably heard the hype, but Connor Bedard is actually living up to it this year. The kid is currently sitting on 19 goals and 44 points in just 32 games for the 2025-26 season. He's a human highlight reel. But here is the thing: the Devils seem to have his number. Even with Bedard playing at a 113-point pace, the Blackhawks have struggled to actually beat New Jersey.
Historically, Chicago has been underwater in this series lately. They’ve gone 1-7-2 in their last ten games against the Devils. That’s brutal.
Most fans remember the November 12 game earlier this season. Bedard was flying, potting a power-play goal and generally terrorizing the Devils' defense. But New Jersey did what they do—they weathered the storm and clawed back for a 4-3 overtime win. It’s a pattern. Chicago gets the flash; New Jersey gets the points.
Jack Hughes and the Injury Bug
Then there is Jack Hughes. If Bedard is the face of the Hawks, Hughes is the engine of the Devils. But man, can the guy catch a break?
Just this past November, Hughes had a fluke accident at a team dinner. He sliced his finger and needed surgery. He missed 18 games. It’s the kind of luck that makes Devils fans want to scream into a pillow. Since returning in late December, he’s been racking up assists—including a two-helper night against the Jets recently—but he hasn't quite found his own goal-scoring touch yet.
Watching a healthy Jack Hughes face off against a peak Connor Bedard is basically why we pay for cable. When they both are on the ice, the speed is genuinely terrifying.
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What Really Happens in the Devils vs Chicago Blackhawks Matchup
The stats tell a story of a New Jersey team that just knows how to grind out results against the West. In the 2025-26 campaign, the Devils have leaned heavily on Nico Hischier’s two-way dominance. While everyone watches the Hughes brothers, Hischier is out there winning 51% of his draws and shutting down top lines.
- The Goalie Gap: Jacob Markstrom has been a steadying force for New Jersey with a 2.61 GAA. On the flip side, Chicago has been cycling through Spencer Knight and Arvid Soderblom. Knight has shown flashes of brilliance, but he's often left out to dry by a young defense.
- The Blue Line Youth: Chicago is currently playing Artyom Levshunov, the second overall pick from 2024. He’s promising, but playing against a team like New Jersey is a "welcome to the league" moment every single shift.
- Special Teams: This is where the Devils vs Chicago Blackhawks games are usually won. New Jersey’s power play, even with the injuries, remains dangerous. Chicago’s penalty kill? Kinda shaky.
The Historic Weight
If we look back, the New Jersey Devils vs Chicago Blackhawks rivalry isn't some storied Original Six bloodbath. But it has its moments. StatMuse notes the Devils (including their time as the Kansas City Scouts and Colorado Rockies) actually lead the all-time series 51-46-21-6. It’s surprisingly close over the decades.
The Blackhawks’ last real "dominance" over Jersey feels like a lifetime ago. Back when Patrick Kane was still the King of Chicago, things were different. Now, it’s a game of transitions.
Recent Matchups and Future Dates
Mark your calendars for March 29, 2026. That’s the next time these two meet at the Prudential Center. If the current trajectory holds, New Jersey will be fighting for playoff seeding in the Metropolitan Division, while Chicago will be trying to prove they aren't just the "Bedard Show."
The Hawks are currently around .500 in points percentage, which is a massive leap from where they were two years ago. GM Kyle Davidson has surrounded Bedard with veterans like Tyler Bertuzzi and Teuvo Teravainen. It’s working, sort of. Bertuzzi actually leads the team in goals right now with 22. He’s the grit to Bedard’s grace.
Actionable Takeaways for Fans and Bettors
If you’re following this matchup for the rest of the season, keep these nuances in mind.
- Watch the First Period: The Devils vs Chicago Blackhawks games usually start fast. If Chicago doesn't score early, New Jersey tends to suffocate them in the second and third periods.
- Monitor the Bedard Injury: As of January 2026, Bedard has been nursing an upper-body injury. His status for any upcoming game completely changes the betting line.
- The Home Ice Advantage: The Devils have been particularly dominant at "The Rock." Chicago’s road record has improved, but Newark is still a house of horrors for them.
- Look at the Secondary Scoring: Everyone watches Hughes and Bedard. But look at guys like Jesper Bratt or Frank Nazar. They are often the ones who actually decide the final score.
Basically, this isn't just a random cross-conference game anymore. It’s a clash of two different ways to build a contender. New Jersey is the "finished" product (mostly), and Chicago is the "work in progress" that might just be dangerous enough to pull an upset.
To stay ahead of the next game, track the line movements as soon as the Devils' starting goalie is announced. If Jacob Markstrom is in net, the under is usually a safer play, but if the Blackhawks' Spencer Knight gets the nod against a rusty Jack Hughes, expect a high-scoring affair. Check the official NHL injury reports 24 hours before the March 29th rematch to see if the star-power matchup is fully intact.