The New Jersey Devils are fighting for their playoff lives, facing significant challenges without their star player, Jack Hughes, who has undergone season-ending shoulder surgery. Alongside Hughes, defensemen Dougie Hamilton and Jonas Siegenthaler are also out for the remainder of the season, which puts extra pressure on the team. Despite these setbacks, the Devils are still in a playoff position, thanks to a recent three-game winning streak and a relatively easy schedule ahead.

Players like Jesper Bratt and Timo Meier need to elevate their performance to cover for the absent stars. Bratt recently tied a franchise record for assists in a season, while Meier's offensive contributions remain crucial. Additionally, Luke Hughes is expected to step up on defense, given his promising development. The team's goaltending has been a bright spot this season, with Nico Daws showing impressive stats during his limited appearances. Making the playoffs is essential for the Devils, as they aim to build on last season's progress.