The New Jersey Devils vs Vegas Golden Knights preview sets up a Friday matchup between two teams that have climbed near the top of their divisions through the season’s first month. New Jersey (8-5-0) visits Vegas (9-4-1) at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, with puck drop set for 6 p.m. ET on Oct. 30. The game marks the first meeting of the season series between the two clubs.
The Devils sit second in the Metropolitan Division at 16 points, two behind Carolina. The Golden Knights are second in the Pacific at 19 points, one behind Edmonton. Both teams enter off wins in their last outing before Friday, though New Jersey’s most recent result broke that stretch with a loss in Colorado.
Devils Vs Golden Knights Game Information
- Date: Friday, Oct. 30
- Time: 6 p.m. ET
- Venue: T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, NV
- TV/Streaming: NHL Net, MSGSN, Scripps Sports
- Series: First meeting of the 2026-27 season series
By The Numbers
- Goals: Vegas 50, New Jersey 43
- Points: Vegas 134, New Jersey 111
- Shots total: New Jersey 424, Vegas 416
- Shooting percentage: Vegas 12.0%, New Jersey 10.1%
- Goals against average: Vegas 2.79, New Jersey 2.92
- Save percentage: Vegas .892, New Jersey .886
- Power play goals: Vegas 11, New Jersey 7
- Faceoff percentage: New Jersey 50.5%, Vegas 50.4%
- Penalty minutes: Vegas 115, New Jersey 76
Devils Outlook
New Jersey has won four of its last five games, with the lone blemish a 5-2 loss in Colorado on Thursday where the Avalanche scored four times in the third period. The Devils have outscored opponents by piling up 424 shots on goal this season against 325 shots allowed, a gap that points to a puck-possession edge even in a season where their 2.92 goals-against average trails Vegas.
Jack Hughes leads the team with 14 points, including a league-best 10 assists among Devils skaters, while Nico Hischier paces the club with seven goals. New Jersey is expected to turn to Connor Hellebuyck as the probable starting goalie, a role he has also filled in recent previews against Dallas. Defenseman Seamus Casey remains on injured reserve with a knee injury and is not expected back until Nov. 21.
Golden Knights Outlook
Vegas has been streakier, alternating losses and wins over its last five games before beating Ottawa 4-1 on Oct. 28. The Golden Knights lead the league matchup in total offense with 50 goals and 134 points this season, built around Jack Eichel’s team-high 20 points and 13 assists. Mark Stone leads Vegas with eight goals, a total he padded during a three-point night against Pittsburgh earlier this month.
Carter Hart is listed as day-to-day with an undisclosed issue but is still projected as Vegas’ probable starting goalie for Friday. Defenseman Parker Wotherspoon remains on injured reserve with an upper-body injury and has a return date of Nov. 8. Vegas has scored 11 power-play goals compared to New Jersey’s seven, giving the home team an edge in a phase of the game that could matter if penalties pile up given Vegas’ 115 penalty minutes this season.
Key Matchup
New Jersey’s shot volume against Vegas’ finishing ability is the matchup that could shape the outcome. The Devils have outshot opponents 424-325 this season, but Vegas converts at a 12.0% clip compared to New Jersey’s 10.1%, meaning the visitors need quality looks, not just quantity, to beat a Golden Knights defense allowing 2.79 goals per game. On the other end, New Jersey’s own goals-against average of 2.92 will be tested by a Vegas power play that has already scored 11 times this season.
What To Watch
Both teams are jockeying for position near the top of their divisions, with Vegas one point behind Edmonton in the Pacific and New Jersey two points behind Carolina in the Metropolitan. A Devils win would keep pace in a tight Metro race that includes the Rangers and Capitals within two points of New Jersey. For Vegas, holding serve at home protects a playoff-caliber start while Hart’s health status is monitored heading into the weekend.
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