So, here we are in mid-January 2026, and if you’ve been following the Metropolitan or Central divisions lately, you know things are getting weird. Fast. When people talk about NJ Devils vs Winnipeg Jets, they usually default to the "Jack Hughes vs. the Canadian cold" narrative. But that’s honestly such a lazy take.
The reality on the ice right now is way more chaotic. Just look at the game they played last week on January 11. The Jets scraped out a 4-3 win at the Canada Life Centre in a game that felt more like a chess match with skates than a typical high-flying NHL contest. The Devils were coming off a rough loss to the Penguins, and they looked desperate. Desperate teams are dangerous, sure, but they also make mistakes.
The Current State of Affairs
Right now, the New Jersey Devils are sitting at 24-22-2. They’re 7th in the Metro. It’s not exactly where Sheldon Keefe wanted to be by this point in the season. On the other side, the Winnipeg Jets are struggling even harder at 19-22-6, dead last in the Central.
It’s a battle of two teams trying to find their souls.
When these two meet, the tactical battle between Nico Hischier and Mark Scheifele is where the actual game is won or lost. Forget the highlight-reel goals from the kids for a second. It’s about the 200-foot game. Last week, we saw Scheifele absolutely bully his way through the neutral zone, while Hischier was busy trying to keep the Devils' defensive structure from imploding.
Why the Goaltending Gap Matters
You can’t talk about NJ Devils vs Winnipeg Jets without mentioning the guys in the crease. It’s basically the "Hellebuyck Factor." Connor Hellebuyck is still doing Hellebuyck things. Even with the Jets' record being what it is, he’s rocking a .912 save percentage.
✨ Don't miss: English Premier League Live Scores Today: What the Scoreboards Aren't Telling You
The Devils? Well, it's been a bit of a rollercoaster. Jacob Markstrom has had some flashes of brilliance, but he's also had nights where he's looked every bit of his 35 years. His GAA is hovering around 3.41, which, let's be real, isn't going to win you many playoff rounds.
- Winnipeg's Edge: They have the ultimate safety net. Hellebuyck can steal a game where the Jets get outshot 40-20.
- New Jersey's Edge: Speed. Pure, unadulterated speed. When Luke Hughes and Jack Hughes are in sync, they make defenders look like they're skating in sand.
- The X-Factor: Special teams. The Devils' power play has been middle-of-the-pack (20.7%), but the Jets' penalty kill is notorious for being a "bend but don't break" unit.
Breaking Down the January 27 Rematch
Mark your calendars. On Tuesday, January 27, 2026, these teams go at it again, this time at the Prudential Center in Newark. If the Devils want to jump back into the wild card race, this is a "must-win" in the truest sense of the word.
Expect a physical game. Cody Glass—who actually grew up in Winnipeg—has been a sneaky good addition for New Jersey, and he’s been playing with a chip on his shoulder. Then you’ve got guys like Adam Lowry for the Jets, who basically exists to make life miserable for star players.
The Devils are likely going to try and overwhelm Winnipeg early. They want that first goal. Historically, when New Jersey scores first against the Jets, their win percentage climbs significantly. If they let Winnipeg hang around until the third period, Hellebuyck becomes a literal wall.
What the History Books Say
People forget that the Jets used to be the Atlanta Thrashers. It’s a fun piece of trivia, but it also means these teams have a long, weird history. The Jets (and the Thrashers before them) actually have a winning record against the Devils all-time: 36-29-3-6.
🔗 Read more: Golden State Warriors Upcoming Schedule 2025-26 Season: The Games You Can't Miss
It’s one of those matchups that doesn't get the national TV love it deserves. There's genuine tension there. Maybe it’s the contrast in styles—the flashy, high-speed Jersey transition game versus the heavy, structured, "we’ll-outwork-you" Winnipeg mentality.
Keys to the Next Matchup
If you're betting on this or just watching for fun, watch the line changes. Keefe has been experimenting with 11 forwards and 7 defensemen lately, especially with Ondrej Palat dealing with that lingering illness.
- Protect the House: The Devils give up way too many high-danger chances. If they don't tighten up in front of Markstrom, Kyle Connor will have a field day.
- Crash the Net: Hellebuyck is beatable if you get "ugly" goals. Screen him, bump him (legally), and look for rebounds.
- Discipline: The Jets' power play hasn't been world-breaking, but giving Nikolaj Ehlers space is a recipe for disaster.
Honestly, the NJ Devils vs Winnipeg Jets rivalry is at its best when both teams are fighting for their playoff lives. That's exactly where we are now. Neither team can afford to drop points to an out-of-conference opponent.
To stay ahead of the curve, keep an eye on the morning skates leading up to the 27th. Watch for any updates on Dougie Hamilton’s minutes; he's been the engine for New Jersey’s offense from the back end. On the Winnipeg side, check if Scott Arniel decides to shake up the top six to find some more consistent scoring. Both teams are talented, but they're both incredibly frustrated right now. That usually leads to some high-intensity hockey.
Check the injury reports on the morning of January 27 to see if any key pieces like Palat or Brett Pesce are back to 100%. Watch the line rushes during warmups—sometimes Keefe throws a curveball and moves Jack Hughes to the wing to spark a different line. Finally, monitor the "save percentage by period" stats; the Devils tend to fade late, while the Jets thrive in the final ten minutes.