Wed Mar 26 23:10:00 UTC 2025: ## Devils Look to End Skid, Face Rebuilding Blackhawks in Crucial Matchup

**CHICAGO, IL** – The New Jersey Devils, despite a recent three-game losing streak, begin a critical three-game road trip tonight against the Chicago Blackhawks at 7:30 p.m. ET. The game, airing on TNT and the Devils Hockey Network, marks the start of the Devils’ final ten regular season games.

The Devils face this challenge with several lineup changes. Forward Cody Glass did not travel with the team, though coach Sheldon Keefe hinted at a possible rejoining later in the trip. However, the return of Curtis Lazar, Nathan Bastian, and defenseman Simon Nemec provides a boost. Nemec’s return comes at the expense of Dennis Cholowski.

Despite their recent struggles, the Devils remain comfortably in third place in the Metropolitan Division, seven points ahead of both the Rangers and Islanders. Their playoff hopes remain strong, but the team aims to improve its consistency heading into the postseason. Veteran Ondrej Palat’s return to the lineup is seen as key to providing leadership and experience during this crucial stretch. Palat’s leadership and consistent effort are highlighted as vital factors for the team’s success.

The Devils will be without key players Jack Hughes (shoulder), Dougie Hamilton (undisclosed, week-to-week), and Jonas Siegenthaler (undisclosed), for the remainder of the season.

Meanwhile, the rebuilding Blackhawks, currently second-to-last in the league, offer a different kind of challenge. While missing several players of their own (Dach, Martinez, Dickinson), they boast young star Connor Bedard, who recently reached his second consecutive 20-goal season. Ryan Donato also enjoys a career year.

The Devils’ Nico Hischier enters the game on a seven-game scoring streak, while Bedard is riding a recent hot streak himself. The matchup promises an intriguing contrast between a playoff contender battling for positioning and a team focused on developing young talent.

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