The New Jersey Devils (13-4-1) visit the Tampa Bay Lightning (9-7-2) tonight at Benchmark International Arena in Tampa, looking to extend their lead atop the Metropolitan Division while the Lightning try to stabilize their early-season rhythm.

New Jersey enters on a 4-0-1 stretch and continues to collect points even with major pieces missing. Jack Hughes remains out eight weeks following finger surgery, yet the Devils’ depth has carried them.

Jesper Bratt is pacing the offense with 17 points, Dawson Mercer has rediscovered his finishing touch, and Luke Hughes is coming off a standout performance in Washington with a goal, an assist, and the shootout-deciding tally. Their formula has been consistent — top-10 scoring (3.28 GF/G), strong puck possession (29.5 shots per game), and a penalty kill operating at an excellent 84.9%.

Goaltending has also been a stabilizer. Jake Allen (7-2-0, .916 SV%, 2.24 GAA) has provided reliable play in net, complementing an improved defensive structure that’s allowing under 28 shots per game.

Tampa Bay, meanwhile, continues to hover just above break-even but has shown sharper form recently with wins over Florida, Vegas, and Washington in their last five outings. Their scoring leaders remain potent: Jake Guentzel (17 points) and Nikita Kucherov (16 points) drive an attack averaging 3.00 goals per game, though secondary scoring remains inconsistent, and Brayden Point’s early-season minus-12 underscores the defensive challenges.

Andrei Vasilevskiy (6-5-2, .900 SV%, 2.77 GAA) has been steady but not dominant, and Tampa Bay’s discipline remains a concern. They’ve taken nearly double New Jersey’s penalty minutes (220 to 120). That’s a dangerous trend against a Devils power play converting at 25.5%.

Both teams lean heavily on special teams, but New Jersey holds the statistical edge: stronger power-play efficiency, a more consistent penalty kill, and superior goal suppression. Tampa Bay must keep the game at even strength, slow New Jersey’s transition, and rely on home-ice momentum to tilt the pace.

The matchup ultimately comes down to whether Tampa Bay’s stars can break through a Devils team that has been winning with structure, depth, and timely goaltending despite key injuries.

Prediction

Expect a high-tempo, attack-oriented game with both teams capable of scoring in waves.

The Devils’ depth and consistency give them a slight edge, but the Lightning have enough firepower and home-advantage to make this very tight.

Projected Final Score: Devils 4, Lightning 3

Injury Report

New Jersey Devils

Jack Hughes (C) — IR

Brenden Dillon (D) — Day-to-Day

Dougie Hamilton (D) — Day-to-Day

Cody Glass (C) — IR

Brett Pesce (D) — IR-LT

Tampa Bay Lightning

Victor Hedman (D) — Day-to-Day

Pontus Holmberg (RW) — IR

Ryan McDonagh (D) — IR

Nick Paul (LW) — IR-LT

How to Watch Devils vs. Lightning

Puck drop for tonight’s game between the New Jersey Devils and Tampa Bay Lightning is set for 7:00 PM Eastern at Benchmark International Arena in Tampa.

The game airs live on MSGSN and The Spot.

Out-of-market viewers can catch the game on the NHL Network

New Jersey Devils vs. Tampa Bay Lightning

Date: Tuesday, November 18, 2025

Time: 7:00 PM Eastern

Venue: Benchmark International Arena, Tampa, FL

TV: MSGSN, The Spot, NHL Network

Streaming: Gotham Sports, NHL Network