The New Jersey Devils are eager to snap their three-game losing streak as they wrap up their California road trip with a pivotal matchup against the San Jose Sharks. After a string of tough losses, the Devils will be looking to find their rhythm and get back into the win column as they finish up the West Coast portion of their schedule.

The Devils’ recent struggles have left fans and analysts questioning their consistency. Despite a strong start to the season, they’ve hit a rough patch, and their performance has left much to be desired. Injuries, defensive lapses, and inconsistent goaltending have all contributed to their current skid, making this game against the Sharks a crucial one to bounce back.

With Nico Hischier and Jack Hughes leading the charge, the Devils know that they’ll need to step up offensively, but they’ll also need to improve their team defense and stay disciplined to avoid giving the Sharks too many opportunities.

The San Jose Sharks have been in a rebuilding phase, and while they have struggled this season, they have shown flashes of potential. The Sharks are known for their gritty play and their ability to spoil the plans of higher-ranked teams. Their key players, like Timo Meier and Logan Couture, have the ability to make a difference, but they’ve been inconsistent at times.

For the Devils, keeping their composure and capitalizing on their opportunities will be key, as the Sharks have proven they can create problems when given a chance.

• Date: January 4, 2025
• Time: 10:30 PM ET
• TV: NHL Network (or regional broadcasts)
• Streaming: ESPN+ (in the U.S.), NHL.tv (international)

New Jersey Devils:

• Forwards: Jack Hughes, Nico Hischier, Timo Meier, Jesper Bratt, Dawson Mercer, Erik Haula
• Defensemen: Dougie Hamilton, Jonas Siegenthaler, John Marino, Ryan Graves, Luke Hughes, Kevin Bahl
• Goaltender: Vitek Vanecek (likely starter)

San Jose Sharks:

• Forwards: Logan Couture, Timo Meier, Kevin Labanc, Tomas Hertl, Nico Sturm, Matt Nieto
• Defensemen: Erik Karlsson, Brent Burns, Mario Ferraro, Jacob Middleton, Marc-Edouard Vlasic
• Goaltender: James Reimer (likely starter)

Vitek Vanecek has been the backbone of the Devils’ defense this season, and he’ll need to be at his best to keep the Sharks at bay. On the other side, James Reimer for the Sharks has been inconsistent but can steal games when he’s in form. The goaltending duel could very well decide the outcome of this game.

The New Jersey Devils know the stakes are high. A win here would not only help end the losing streak but also provide them with a much-needed confidence boost as they head into the remainder of their schedule. However, they must avoid complacency and respect the Sharks, who can be dangerous if underestimated.

With the season heating up and the playoff race looming, the Devils will need to come out strong and play a complete game to leave California with a win.