The Ottawa Senators have opened the NHL season with a 4-1-0 record, creating early optimism that they can challenge for a stronger position in the Atlantic Division. Their next test comes Monday night against the New Jersey Devils at Prudential Center in Newark.
Puck drop is scheduled for 7:08 p.m. ET on October 12. Ottawa arrives after a 3-2 shootout victory over Nashville, while New Jersey is coming off a 4-1 win against Vancouver.
Ottawa’s Fast Start Has a Clear Offensive Leader
Tim Stützle has been the central figure in Ottawa’s impressive opening stretch. The German center has collected four goals and four assists for eight points across the Senators’ first five games, giving the club a dependable offensive engine.
His influence extends beyond the scoresheet. Stützle can accelerate through the neutral zone, draw defenders toward him and create passing options for teammates. When opponents give him room near the slot or around the net, he has the finishing skill to turn small openings into dangerous chances.
Stützle also scored on the power play and added an assist in Ottawa’s latest win. Another productive performance would give the Senators a major advantage against a Devils team whose confidence is rising after its victory over Vancouver.
Linus Ullmark Has Turned Defense Into a Strength
Ottawa’s early success has not been built solely on offensive production. Linus Ullmark has provided outstanding work in the crease, posting a 4-0-0 record through his first four starts.
- Goals-against average: 1.34
- Save percentage: .942
- Record: 4-0-0
Ullmark’s numbers give Ottawa valuable protection in a road game that could feature momentum swings. The Devils have enough skill to generate scoring chances quickly, so the Senators will need their goaltender to remain composed when New Jersey applies pressure.
If Ullmark continues to limit second opportunities and handles the first shot cleanly, Ottawa can force the Devils to be nearly perfect at the other end of the ice.
New Jersey’s Top Line Is Finding Its Rhythm
The Devils enter the matchup at 2-2-0, but their latest result offered a strong reminder of their offensive potential. New Jersey defeated Vancouver 4-1 at Prudential Center, with captain Nico Hischier leading the way with two goals and an assist.
One of Hischier’s goals marked the 200th of his NHL career. Jesper Bratt contributed a goal and an assist, while Jack Hughes finished with two assists. Together, those performances showed how quickly New Jersey can take control when its leading players are creating chances consistently.
The Devils will also have the benefit of playing at home. Ottawa’s strong record makes it the more convincing team on paper, but New Jersey has momentum and a favorable setting for its final game of the homestand.
Special Teams Could Decide the Result
Ottawa’s biggest warning comes from the Devils’ power play. New Jersey converted three times on four opportunities against Vancouver, including two goals from Hischier and another from Bratt.
That production makes discipline one of the Senators’ most important priorities. Repeated trips to the penalty kill would give Hischier, Bratt and Hughes additional space and time to influence the game.
- Ottawa must limit unnecessary penalties.
- The Senators need strong puck management in the neutral zone.
- New Jersey cannot afford to give Stützle repeated power-play opportunities.
- Both teams will need clean defensive changes to avoid odd-man rushes.
At even strength, Ottawa may be able to pressure the Devils with speed. Special teams could quickly change that balance, especially if New Jersey’s power play remains as efficient as it was Saturday.
Hischier and Stützle Set the Tone
The matchup between the two centers deserves close attention. Stützle is Ottawa’s hottest scorer, while Hischier enters after a three-point performance that energized New Jersey.
Both players can contribute on special teams, create offense in transition and change the direction of a game with one strong shift. Stützle brings explosive speed and creativity, while Hischier combines responsible two-way play with the ability to finish around the crease.
The center who wins the territorial battle could give his team a significant advantage. If Stützle has time to attack with speed, Ottawa will be difficult to contain. If Hischier and the Devils can force turnovers and draw penalties, New Jersey may control the game through its power play.
Game Details and Final Outlook
Matchup: Ottawa Senators vs. New Jersey Devils
Date: Monday, October 12, 2026
Time: 7:08 p.m. ET
Venue: Prudential Center, Newark, New Jersey
Ottawa record: 4-1-0
New Jersey record: 2-2-0
Ottawa can improve to 5-1-0 with another road victory, but the Devils have enough offensive firepower to make that difficult. The Senators will rely on Stützle’s creativity, Ullmark’s steady goaltending and disciplined defensive play.
New Jersey, meanwhile, will try to build on its win over Vancouver and exploit every opportunity on the man advantage. With two productive centers, contrasting team strengths and plenty of early-season momentum, this game offers a meaningful test for both clubs.
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