The Ottawa Senators have opened the NHL season with the kind of urgency that quickly changes outside expectations. At 4-1-0, they head into Monday’s visit to the New Jersey Devils with a chance to strengthen their early claim as a serious Atlantic Division contender.
The game is scheduled for Monday, October 12, 2026, at Prudential Center in Newark. The opening faceoff is set for 7:08 p.m. ET.
Ottawa Arrives With Confidence and Plenty to Prove
Five games are not enough to define a season, but Ottawa has already shown several qualities that playoff-caliber teams need. The Senators have received production from their leading players, found ways to win close games and backed up their strong start with reliable goaltending.
The team’s latest result came Saturday, when Ottawa defeated Nashville 3-2 in a shootout. Drake Batherson helped force overtime with a late tying goal, and the Senators ultimately secured their fourth win of the campaign.
Now Ottawa faces a more demanding test on the road. New Jersey has speed throughout its lineup and enough high-end skill to turn a single defensive mistake into a scoring chance. A victory at Prudential Center would give the Senators one of their most convincing results of the young season.
Tim Stützle Is Setting the Offensive Pace
Tim Stützle has quickly become the central figure in Ottawa’s attack. The 24-year-old center has collected four goals and four assists for eight points through five games, making him one of the league’s most productive players at the start of the schedule.
His influence goes beyond the scoresheet. Stützle can accelerate through the neutral zone, carry possession into the offensive end and create passing options before defenders have time to settle into position. His ability to attack with speed forces opponents to back off, opening space for teammates arriving behind him.
Stützle also contributed on the power play during Saturday’s win over Nashville. If New Jersey gives him room near the circles or allows him to enter the zone cleanly, the Devils could spend much of the night defending instead of attacking.
- Four goals in five games
- Four assists for eight total points
- A key role on Ottawa’s power play
- The Senators’ primary transition threat
Ullmark Has Made Ottawa Difficult to Beat
Ottawa’s early success is not based only on offensive momentum. Linus Ullmark has given the Senators a strong foundation in the crease, posting a 4-0-0 record in his first four starts.
Ullmark has allowed five goals during that stretch, producing a 1.34 goals-against average and a .942 save percentage. Those numbers provide Ottawa with valuable security in tight games, especially when the opponent has enough talent to generate chances in bunches.
New Jersey may create pressure early and often, but Ullmark’s form means the Devils will need to finish their opportunities. A few missed chances could become costly if Ottawa’s forwards are able to turn saves into quick counterattacks.
New Jersey’s Power Play Is the Immediate Warning
The Devils enter this matchup at 2-2-0, but their most recent performance showed why they remain dangerous. New Jersey defeated Vancouver 4-1 on Saturday in a game that featured a dominant special-teams display.
The Devils scored three times on four power-play opportunities. Captain Nico Hischier led the way with two man-advantage goals, while Jesper Bratt also scored with the extra skater.
Hischier finished the night with two goals and an assist, and his opening goal marked the 200th of his NHL career. Bratt added a goal and an assist, while Jack Hughes recorded two assists.
That combination should make discipline a major priority for Ottawa. Penalties that might be survivable against another opponent could quickly change the game against a New Jersey unit that is already showing confidence.
- Ottawa must limit unnecessary penalties.
- New Jersey’s top forwards need to be denied clean entries.
- The Senators cannot allow repeated power-play setups.
- Ullmark may need to withstand pressure during extended defensive shifts.
Hischier and Stützle Offer a Compelling Center-Ice Duel
The matchup between Nico Hischier and Tim Stützle could provide the clearest individual storyline. Both centers carry major offensive responsibilities, contribute on special teams and can influence the game without needing many opportunities.
Stützle has been the more productive player across the opening week, but Hischier enters this contest with three points in his previous outing. His two-goal performance against Vancouver should give New Jersey’s captain plenty of confidence as the Devils try to close their homestand with another win.
The battle will also involve positioning and defensive responsibility. Whoever controls the middle of the ice could determine which team spends more time attacking with speed and which one is forced to defend off the rush.
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, Newark, New Jersey
Ottawa record: 4-1-0
New Jersey record: 2-2-0
Ottawa can improve to 5-1-0 with a win, while New Jersey has an opportunity to reach .500 and build on its best performance of the season. With Stützle driving the Senators’ offense, Ullmark protecting the net and the Devils’ power play operating at full confidence, Monday’s game should offer a revealing test of whether Ottawa’s hot start has staying power.
