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Flyers vs. Devils: Flyers face huge test after 7-0 loss

Dustin Judge
Flyers vs. Devils: Trevor Zegras celebrates with Philadelphia Flyers teammates

The New Jersey Devils open their 44th season Thursday, Oct. 1, at 7 p.m. ET at Prudential Center in Newark, N.J., when they host a Philadelphia Flyers team playing for the second straight night. Flyers vs. Devils is New Jersey’s home opener, while Philadelphia (0-1-0) is trying to recover from a 7-0 loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins on Wednesday, according to the Devils’ game preview.

Flyers vs. Devils game information

  • Date: Thursday, Oct. 1
  • Time: 7 p.m. ET
  • Venue: Prudential Center, Newark, N.J.
  • TV/Streaming: ESPN+, Disney+, Hulu
  • Records: Flyers 0-1-0; Devils 0-0-0

Devils roster and depth for the Flyers vs. Devils opener

The Devils announced their opening-night roster Monday, with captain Nico Hischier leading a forward group that includes Jack Hughes, Jesper Bratt and Timo Meier, according to NHL.com. Jake Allen, Nico Daws and Rémi Poirier are the three goaltenders on the roster.

Forward Amadeus Lombardi, 23, is set to make his NHL debut after an impressive camp, and Luke Evangelista enters after a three-point preseason, per the team’s preview. New Jersey went 3-0-1 in exhibition play, including a 4-1 win over the Islanders.

Connor Brown is unavailable, and Stefan Noesen draws into the lineup. Center Nick Bjugstad (torn pectoral), defenseman Johnathan Kovacevic (knee) and defenseman Seamus Casey are on the injured, non-roster list.

Flyers offense and absences

Philadelphia is coming off a rough opener. The Flyers were outshot 38-19 by Pittsburgh and went without a power-play goal, according to the Devils’ preview. They also play without forward Nikita Grebenkin (upper body), center Denver Barkey (injured reserve) and defenseman Helge Grans (non-roster).

Trevor Zegras, who signed a four-year extension worth an average of $9.125 million per season, drew attention in the preseason when he became the first player penalized in the preseason under the NHL’s new equipment enforcement for having his jersey tucked into his pants on Sept. 24 against Boston, according to FOX Sports.

Who could start in goal in Flyers vs. Devils?

Neither team had announced a starter in the sources reviewed. Joseph Woll, acquired by the Flyers this offseason, posted a .936 save percentage across two exhibition games, per the Devils’ preview. Allen is New Jersey’s veteran option among its three goalies.

What to watch in Flyers vs. Devils

New Jersey has some recent history to fix. The Flyers swept the season series 3-0 in 2025-26, winning 6-3, 5-3 and 5-1. Jack Hughes led the Devils with 77 points last season, while Travis Konecny paced Philadelphia with 68, according to the Devils’ preview.

Philadelphia’s legs on the second night of a back-to-back are another factor after a lopsided loss. Catch up on our Penguins vs. Flyers opener preview and the rest of our NHL coverage.

What’s next

After the Flyers vs. Devils opener, New Jersey gets four days off before hosting the Utah Mammoth on Tuesday, Oct. 6, at 7 p.m. ET. The Devils play 14 games in October, eight of them at home, and welcome the Vancouver Canucks for a 3:30 p.m. matinee on Saturday, Oct. 10, according to the team’s 2026-27 schedule.

Reporting from NHL.com, FOX Sports and the New Jersey Devils contributed to this story.

Dustin Judge is the Founder and CEO of Total Apex Media, bringing more than 20 years of writing and editorial experience to the company's growing network of digital publications. He specializes in sports, sports betting, fantasy sports, and digital publishing, with a focus on producing accurate, timely, and engaging content for readers. Dustin oversees editorial strategy, content development, and publishing operations across Total Apex Media while remaining actively involved in sports, betting, and fantasy sports coverage.