The New Jersey Devils are on the verge of a significant milestone as they head to Toronto. A victory against the Maple Leafs on Tuesday night would secure their first five-game winning streak in over two years. The team’s last long winning streak ended in January 2023. Since then, they’ve had 13 separate three-game streaks but haven’t gone further. This match will be a key test of their consistency at a high level.
What is Driving the Devils’ Confidence?
Thanks to important players and efficient processes, the team’s momentum is increasing. They defeated the Edmonton Oilers 5-3 on Saturday, their fourth straight victory, led by a two-goal effort by star Jack Hughes. Hughes himself highlighted the importance of building these streaks, stating, “I think that is something we have been missing in the past… So it’s nice that we can build a little streak and hopefully build off it.” Another major strength has been their penalty kill, which has been nearly perfect this season and scored a short-handed goal in their last game.
Why is There Tension in the Maple Leafs‘ Locker Room?
In contrast to the Devils’ surge, the Toronto Maple Leafs are grappling with internal frustration. The team is in the middle of a long homestand but has posted a mediocre 2-1-1 record so far. The frustration boiled over after a recent overtime loss to the Seattle Kraken. Goaltender Anthony Stolarz voiced the team’s irritation, saying, “Even though we’re six games into the season, enough’s enough… It’s just frustrating that we can’t put it together right now.” His public criticism of a teammate’s defensive lapse signaled clear tension within the squad.
How is Toronto Handling the Public Criticism?
The team’s leadership is now tasked with managing the fallout from Stolarz’s comments. Coach Craig Berube acknowledged the frustration but confirmed the team has “moved on from it.” Captain Auston Matthews addressed the situation directly, noting, “We’re all big boys in here… There was no beating around the bush.” The Maple Leafs are under pressure to improve their inconsistent play, particularly during a span in which they play eight of their first ten games at home. This shows that the problem was addressed head-on.
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What Other Stories are Shaping This Matchup?
This game is layered with additional narratives that add to the intrigue. For Devils coach Sheldon Keefe, it is a return to Toronto, where he coached for over four seasons before being replaced by Berube. On the injury front, Devils forward Stefan Noesen practiced but has been ruled out for Tuesday’s game, with a potential return on Wednesday. In goal, the Devils are expected to start Jake Allen against the Maple Leafs, saving Nico Daws for the following night’s game against the Minnesota Wild.
