Three Battles That Could Define Ottawa’s Newark Test

Ottawa has opened the NHL season with the kind of start that changes expectations. The Senators bring a 4-1-0 record into Monday’s visit to the New Jersey Devils, and another road win would give their early surge even more credibility.

The game begins at 7:08 p.m. ET on Monday, October 12, 2026, at Prudential Center in Newark. New Jersey enters at 2-2-0 after a dominant 4-1 victory over Vancouver, so Ottawa will not be facing a team short on confidence.

Both clubs have compelling reasons to believe they can control the game. Ottawa has the league’s hottest early scorer and one of the NHL’s best-performing goaltenders, while New Jersey will look to its top forwards and a suddenly dangerous power play.

Why Ottawa’s Start Deserves Attention

A five-game sample cannot settle a team’s long-term outlook, but Ottawa has already displayed several traits associated with a serious contender. The Senators have received timely scoring, dependable goaltending and meaningful contributions from their most important players.

That combination helped Ottawa defeat Nashville 3-2 in a shootout on Saturday. The result moved the Senators to 4-1-0 and created an opportunity to finish their opening stretch with an even more impressive result against a talented opponent on the road.

Winning in Newark would do more than improve the standings. It would show that Ottawa can handle the pressure of playing away from home while dealing with a lineup capable of attacking quickly through the middle of the ice.

Three Matchups That Could Swing the Game

Tim Stützle against New Jersey’s defensive coverage

Tim Stützle has been the central figure in Ottawa’s attack. The German center has collected four goals and four assists for eight points in five games, including a power-play goal and an assist in the Nashville win.

His influence extends beyond the scoresheet. Stützle can accelerate through the neutral zone, draw defenders toward him and create passing options before opposing coverage is fully organized. When he finds open space near the crease, he also has the finishing ability to turn a small defensive mistake into a goal.

New Jersey must limit his speed before he enters the offensive zone with control. If the Devils allow him to carry the puck freely and establish possession near the slot, Ottawa’s supporting forwards could receive repeated high-quality chances.

Nico Hischier against Ottawa’s discipline

New Jersey captain Nico Hischier delivered a three-point performance against Vancouver, scoring twice and adding an assist. One of those goals marked the 200th of his NHL career, making the night especially memorable.

Hischier’s two goals came on the power play, part of a three-goal man-advantage performance by the Devils on four opportunities. Jesper Bratt also scored with the extra skater, while Jack Hughes contributed two assists.

Those numbers give Ottawa a straightforward assignment: avoid unnecessary penalties. Repeated trips to the penalty box could allow New Jersey’s top unit to erase the Senators’ five-on-five advantages in a hurry.

Linus Ullmark against New Jersey’s finishing talent

Ottawa’s early success has also been built on the performance of Linus Ullmark. The goaltender is 4-0-0 through four starts, with a 1.34 goals-against average and a .942 save percentage.

Those figures provide the Senators with considerable margin for error, particularly in a road game. Ullmark’s form means Ottawa does not necessarily need to dominate every shift; it needs to avoid extended defensive breakdowns and capitalize when opportunities appear.

New Jersey’s attackers can generate chances in bunches, however. Hughes, Bratt and Hischier have the skill to create offense from quick puck movement, so Ullmark may face his most demanding test of the young season.

New Jersey Has Regained Its Offensive Rhythm

The Devils’ record is .500, but their latest performance suggested that their attack is beginning to click. New Jersey controlled its matchup with Vancouver and earned a convincing 4-1 victory at Prudential Center.

Hischier led the way with two goals and an assist. Bratt added a goal and an assist, and Hughes recorded two assists. The performance showed how dangerous the Devils can become when their leading forwards are involved throughout the game.

Home ice could also help New Jersey establish an aggressive pace from the opening faceoff. Ottawa will need clean exits, controlled line changes and strong communication in front of Ullmark to prevent the Devils from building sustained pressure.

What Ottawa Must Do to Reach 5-1-0

• Stay disciplined: New Jersey converted three of four power-play chances against Vancouver, so Ottawa cannot offer the Devils repeated opportunities.
• Support Stützle: New Jersey will likely focus defensive attention on Ottawa’s leading scorer, making quick passing and secondary scoring essential.
• Protect the middle of the ice: Limiting Hischier, Hughes and Bratt between the circles can reduce the quality of New Jersey’s chances.
• Use Ullmark’s composure: Ottawa should avoid forcing low-percentage plays and allow its goaltender to keep the game manageable.
• Finish road opportunities: A strong start will matter only if the Senators convert their best chances when New Jersey makes mistakes.

Stützle and Hischier Set the Tone

The most compelling individual storyline centers on the two centers. Stützle enters the matchup as Ottawa’s leading offensive force, while Hischier arrives after producing three points in his previous outing.

Both players can influence more than one area of the game. They contribute on special teams, handle major minutes and possess the creativity to change a contest during a single shift.

If Stützle controls possession and forces New Jersey to defend at speed, Ottawa could maintain its early momentum. If Hischier draws penalties and leads the Devils’ power play, the home team may seize control instead.

Senators vs. Devils Game Details

Matchup: Ottawa Senators vs. New Jersey Devils

Date: Monday, October 12, 2026

Time: 7:08 p.m. ET

Venue: Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey

Ottawa record: 4-1-0

New Jersey record: 2-2-0

Ottawa can move to 5-1-0 with a victory, but the path will require more than another strong performance from Stützle and Ullmark. The Senators must also contain New Jersey’s elite forwards and stay away from the penalty box.

With one team protecting a fast start and the other building on its best performance of the season, Monday’s matchup offers an early test of which club can turn momentum into consistency.