Kraken vs Devils tonight at Prudential Center, Devils look to rebound

The Seattle Kraken visit Prudential Center tonight seeking to extend their momentum against a New Jersey Devils squad desperate to turn around their season. Both teams bring compelling storylines to the ice at 7 p.m. ET on Wednesday, January 14, with playoff implications hanging in the balance.

Kraken Riding Wave After Dramatic Rangers Comeback

Seattle showed resilience and composure in their last outing, storming back from a 2-goal deficit against the New York Rangers to earn a 4-2 victory on January 13. Jordan Eberle, the Kraken captain, returned from an upper-body injury to lead the charge, while Shane Wright scored the crucial tiebreaker in the third period. This victory marked two consecutive wins on the road, giving Lane Lambert’s squad valuable momentum as they prepare for their Eastern Conference test.

The Kraken offensive depth continues to shine with contributions from multiple lines. Matty Beniers remains in hot form with points in five consecutive games, showcasing his emergence as a legitimate two-way scoring threat for the franchise. Kaapo Kakko brings veteran presence on the top line alongside Beniers, strengthening Seattle’s ability to compete against elite competition.

Devils Get A Much-Needed Wake-Up Call With Big Win

After struggling through a frustrating stretch, the New Jersey Devils responded emphatically with a dominant 5-2 victory over the Minnesota Wild on January 12 at home. The victory provided an injection of confidence heading into tonight’s matchup, though team management made clear recent performances have fallen short of expectations. Cody Glass led the attack with two goals while team captain Nico Hischier recorded his team-leading 13th goal of the season.

GM Tom Fitzgerald criticized the team’s overall play, stating their recent performance was “absolutely not good enough,” emphasizing the need for immediate improvement. The Devils’ path back to contention runs through home games at Prudential Center, where they must establish dominance in their own building. Tonight represents a critical opportunity to build on Friday’s strong showing.

Matchup Preview, Injury Report, and Key Storylines

Factor	Seattle Kraken	New Jersey Devils
Record	21-15-8 (50 points)	23-21-2 (48 points)
Key Player	Matty Beniers	Nico Hischier
Recent Form	W-W last 2 games	W 5-2 vs Minnesota
Notable Injury	Brandon Montour (14 GP out)	Stefan Noesen (knee)

The Kraken will face a Devils team seeking redemption after critical comments from leadership. Simon Nemec returns to the New Jersey defense after missing the recent Minnesota game, providing a boost to the backline. Meanwhile, the Kraken navigate injury challenges with Brandon Montour sidelined for his 14th consecutive game, forcing continued reliance on their proven defensive core led by Vince Dunn and Adam Larsson.

“We’re playing good hockey,” said Eberle after Seattle’s comeback win over the Rangers, “Our goaltending has been solid.”

— Jordan Eberle, Seattle Kraken Captain

Devils’ Defensive Reinforcement Signals Priority on Tightening Up

The return of Simon Nemec reflects New Jersey’s commitment to stabilizing their defense after inconsistent performances. Nemec’s ability to contribute offensively from the blue line provides crucial depth for a team that has surrendered too many quality chances in recent games. Partnered with Dougie Hamilton, the Devils aim to present a more formidable defensive structure against Seattle’s balanced attack.

Jacob Markstrom continues his duties in goal for the Devils, while Philipp Grubauer mans the pipes for the Kraken. Both goaltenders have been serviceable, but tonight’s game could pivot on who manages the secondary scoring opportunities in tight, low-scoring moments typical of playoff-style hockey.

Can Seattle Stay Perfect on the Road, Or Will Jersey Find Their Identity?

This contest features two teams operating in very different emotional states. The Kraken’s consecutive road victories suggest they’ve found an identity as road warriors, exploiting defensive mistakes with clinical efficiency. Chandler Stephenson returns after missing two games on personal leave, adding depth to the forward rotation that could prove decisive.

For New Jersey, every remaining game carries heightened importance as they battle for playoff positioning. The Devils cannot afford another uninspired effort at home, especially against a team that has shown they can exploit defensive vulnerabilities. If Jesper Bratt and Jack Hughes generate consistent pressure and Hischier dictates tempo, the Devils possess the offensive weapons to overcome Seattle’s momentum. The answer to whether New Jersey bounces back fully tonight depends entirely on their commitment to the fundamental accountability that leadership demanded this week.

Sources

• NHL.com: Official game preview with projected lineups and status report
• ESPN.com: Live coverage and game statistics for Kraken vs Devils matchup
• The Hockey News: Analysis of recent Kraken performance and roster updates