Thu Mar 20 23:10:00 UTC 2025: ## Devils Host Flames in Crucial Matchup

**Newark, NJ** – The New Jersey Devils (37-26-3) face a critical test Thursday night as they host the Calgary Flames (31-25-11) at Prudential Center, kicking off a three-game homestand. The game, presented by Window Works, will be broadcast on MSGSN2 and aired on the Devils Hockey Network.

Both teams enter the contest battling for playoff positioning. The Devils, currently holding a 10-point lead over the Columbus Blue Jackets for the third spot in the Metropolitan Division, are looking to solidify their postseason berth. They are riding a wave of momentum after a recent 2-1 victory against the Columbus Blue Jackets, fueled by a 39-second scoring flurry from Timo Meier and Jesper Bratt. Goaltender Jake Allen’s 45-save performance was also key to the win. However, forward Ondrej Palat, Tomas Tatar, and Curtis Lazar are listed as game-time decisions due to undisclosed injuries.

The Flames, meanwhile, are fighting to claw their way into a Western Conference Wild Card spot, currently sitting two points and two places out of a playoff position. They’ll be looking to build on their recent 2-1 victory against the New York Rangers, where they surrendered an early goal but held strong defensively thereafter. Calgary will likely start rookie goaltender Dustin Wolf, a Calder Trophy contender, in net against his former team.

The Devils’ Jesper Bratt, one assist shy of breaking the franchise record for assists in a single season, is on a hot streak, with ten points in his last four games. Teammates Nico Hischier, Timo Meier, and Cody Glass are also enjoying point streaks. Meanwhile, Flames defenseman MacKenzie Weegar leads the Calgary offense, showing strong performance in the team’s fight for playoff contention.

Devils head coach Sheldon Keefe emphasized the importance of every game, highlighting the increased stakes as the regular season winds down. He stressed the team’s need to “meet the moment” with heightened effort and urgency. The players echoed this sentiment, acknowledging the excitement and pressure of this crucial stretch run. Both teams are expected to put up a hard-fought battle in this important clash.

Read More