Ottawa has quickly become one of the NHL’s most compelling early-season teams, but Monday’s visit to New Jersey will provide a demanding test. The Senators arrive at Prudential Center with a 4-1-0 record, while the Devils are looking to build on a dominant 4-1 win over Vancouver.
The game is scheduled for Monday, October 12, at 7:08 p.m. ET in Newark. Ottawa could improve to 5-1-0 with another victory, but New Jersey’s top-line talent and suddenly dangerous power play could make that objective difficult.
Ottawa Has Already Built a Strong Early Resume
The Senators have collected four wins in their first five games, including a dramatic 3-2 shootout decision over Nashville on Saturday. Drake Batherson tied the game with only 1:23 remaining in regulation, and Ottawa eventually finished the comeback in the shootout.
That result reinforced one of the team’s most encouraging characteristics: Ottawa has found multiple ways to win. The Senators can receive timely scoring from their leading forwards, rely on their goaltender in tight situations and remain composed when a game does not unfold according to plan.
A victory in New Jersey would carry even more weight. The Devils have plenty of speed and offensive creativity, so succeeding on the road would give Ottawa another strong result against a roster with legitimate postseason aspirations.
Tim Stützle Is Driving the Senators’ Attack
Tim Stützle has been at the center of Ottawa’s excellent start. The German center has produced eight points in five games, with four goals and four assists, giving him the offensive numbers needed to become a constant matchup concern.
His impact extends beyond the scoresheet. Stützle can accelerate through the neutral zone, force defenders to retreat and create passing options for teammates. When he finds open ice near the net, he also has the finishing touch to turn a small defensive mistake into a goal.
Stützle contributed a power-play goal and an assist in the win over Nashville. His performance against New Jersey may depend on whether the Devils can limit his speed before he enters the offensive zone.
- Four goals through Ottawa’s opening five games
- Four assists during the same stretch
- Eight total points to lead the Senators’ early attack
If he continues producing at this rate, Stützle will remain one of the biggest storylines surrounding Canadian hockey as the season develops.
Linus Ullmark Has Made Every Mistake Costly
Ottawa’s offense has received most of the early attention, but Linus Ullmark has been just as important. The goaltender is 4-0-0 in four starts and has allowed only five goals during that span.
Ullmark’s early statistics are outstanding: a 1.34 goals-against average and a .942 save percentage. Those numbers give Ottawa a valuable advantage in close games, particularly when the opponent can generate dangerous chances in quick bursts.
New Jersey will likely test Ullmark with traffic, rebounds and movement across the crease. If he maintains his current form, the Devils may need an almost flawless performance from their own defensive group to keep pace.
New Jersey’s Stars Found Their Rhythm Against Vancouver
The Devils enter this matchup at 2-2-0, but their latest performance showed why Ottawa cannot afford to focus only on the standings. New Jersey defeated Vancouver 4-1 on Saturday at Prudential Center and controlled the game through strong special-teams execution.
Captain Nico Hischier led the way with two goals and an assist. His opening goal marked the 200th of his NHL career, adding a significant personal milestone to an already impressive night.
Jesper Bratt recorded a goal and an assist, while Jack Hughes supplied two assists. When those players are creating chances in transition and attacking with confidence, New Jersey can put pressure on opponents before they have time to settle into their defensive structure.
The Devils will also have the benefit of playing at home, where they can use the last change to help create favorable matchups against Ottawa’s most dangerous lines.
Special Teams Could Decide the Result
The most pressing concern for Ottawa is New Jersey’s power play. The Devils scored three times on four opportunities against Vancouver, with Hischier responsible for two of those man-advantage goals and Bratt adding the other.
That production makes discipline essential for the Senators. Repeated penalties would give Hischier, Hughes and Bratt additional time with the puck and allow New Jersey to attack an Ottawa penalty-killing unit that may be under sustained pressure.
- Ottawa must avoid unnecessary penalties in the neutral zone.
- The Senators need strong clears when the Devils establish possession.
- Ullmark will have to track screens and quick cross-ice passes.
- Ottawa’s own power play should capitalize when chances appear.
The Senators have enough five-on-five skill to compete with New Jersey, but surrendering several power-play opportunities could erase that advantage quickly.
Two Centers Set the Tone
The matchup between Stützle and Hischier could become the central individual battle. Stützle enters the game as Ottawa’s leading offensive force, while Hischier is coming off a three-point performance that demonstrated his ability to influence every shift.
Both centers combine skill with responsibility. They can contribute on special teams, create offense in transition and turn a harmless-looking possession into an immediate scoring threat.
The winner of that duel may not be determined solely by goals and assists. Faceoff results, puck management, defensive coverage and success against the opposing top line could prove equally important over 60 minutes.
Game Details: Senators at Devils
Matchup: Ottawa Senators at New Jersey Devils
Date: Monday, October 12, 2026
Time: 7:08 p.m. ET
Venue: Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey
Ottawa record: 4-1-0
New Jersey record: 2-2-0
Ottawa has the stronger record and the league’s hottest early goaltending numbers, but New Jersey enters with renewed confidence after its Vancouver win. The outcome may come down to whether Stützle can continue creating at the same pace and whether the Senators can stay disciplined against the Devils’ high-powered special teams.
