Fri Feb 07 00:00:00 UTC 2025: ## Devils Host Golden Knights in Black History Night Game, Facing Lineup Changes

**Newark, NJ** – The New Jersey Devils will host the Vegas Golden Knights tonight at Prudential Center for their first matchup of the season, a game coinciding with the Devils’ Black History Night celebration. However, the Devils will face the challenge of doing so with significant lineup changes due to injuries.

Defenseman Jonas Siegenthaler is out indefinitely with an injury sustained against the Pittsburgh Penguins, forcing the Devils to recall defenseman Simon Nemec from the AHL’s Utica Comets. Nemec, who expressed confidence in his improved play after a difficult start to his AHL season, will rejoin the team’s defensive corps. His return necessitates shifts in defensive pairings, with Brenden Dillon and Dougie Hamilton reunited, and Brett Pesce shifting to the left side. The absence of Siegenthaler, a key defensive contributor, is a blow to the team, according to teammates.

Adding to the Devils’ injury woes, Captain Nico Hischier has been placed on injured reserve with an undisclosed injury and will miss at least this week’s games. His absence leaves a void on the offensive side, adding pressure on other key players. Goaltender Jacob Markstrom also remains sidelined with an MCL sprain.

Despite the injuries, the Devils enter the game with some momentum, having won four of their last six games, including a seven-round shootout victory over the Penguins on Tuesday. Jack Hughes, who leads the Devils in scoring, is on a hot streak with eight points in his last six games and will be a key player to watch.

The Golden Knights, meanwhile, arrive in Newark on a four-game losing streak. While they’ve picked up points in three of their last five games, they will look to turn things around against a depleted Devils team. Jack Eichel leads Vegas in scoring and will be a critical factor in their offensive strategy.

The game marks the first NHL meeting between Paul Cotter, recently traded from Vegas to New Jersey, and his former teammates. Both teams see this game as crucial before their respective breaks. The Devils need to secure points to build momentum, while the Golden Knights seek to end their losing skid. The game will be broadcast on MSGSN and can be heard on the Devils Hockey Network.

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