The Ottawa Senators have quickly turned the opening week of the NHL season into a statement. With a 4-1-0 record, dependable goaltending, and Tim Stützle leading the attack, Ottawa arrives in Newark with a chance to establish itself as more than an early-season surprise.

The Senators face the New Jersey Devils at Prudential Center on Monday, October 12, with the opening faceoff scheduled for 7:08 p.m. ET. New Jersey enters the contest at 2-2-0 after producing its most complete performance of the young season against Vancouver.

This matchup brings together two teams moving in different directions but carrying plenty of offensive ability. Ottawa is trying to protect its momentum, while New Jersey hopes its special teams and top forwards can create another surge at home.

Ottawa’s Record Reflects More Than a Quick Hot Streak

Five games are not enough to define an NHL season, yet Ottawa’s early results have offered several reasons for optimism. The Senators have combined timely scoring with strong work in net, allowing them to win close games instead of relying exclusively on offensive outbursts.

That formula was on display Saturday, when Ottawa defeated Nashville 3-2 in a shootout. The victory moved the Senators to 4-1-0 and gave them another opportunity to test their progress against a dangerous opponent.

A win in New Jersey would carry extra weight. The Devils have enough speed and skill to expose mistakes, particularly at home, so Ottawa would need to maintain its composure through every phase of the game.

• Ottawa can improve to 5-1-0 with a victory.
• The Senators have already shown they can win tight games.
• Tim Stützle has become the central figure in the early offensive push.
• Linus Ullmark has provided elite-level results in the crease.

Stützle Has Become the Senators’ Offensive Engine

Tim Stützle has supplied the spark behind Ottawa’s strong opening. The 24-year-old German center has collected four goals and four assists for eight points through five games, including a power-play goal.

His influence extends beyond the scoresheet. Stützle can accelerate through the neutral zone, draw defenders toward him, and create passing options before opponents have time to settle into their structure. When he finds open ice near the goal, he also has the finishing ability to turn a small defensive mistake into a major problem.

Stützle contributed a power-play goal and an assist in Ottawa’s shootout win over Nashville. His ability to produce in different situations gives the Senators a reliable offensive centerpiece, especially when games become physical or tightly contested.

New Jersey will likely focus considerable attention on him. The Devils cannot afford to give Stützle repeated chances to carry the puck into the offensive zone with speed, because doing so could force their defense into constant recovery mode.

Ullmark’s Numbers Give Ottawa Confidence on the Road

Ottawa’s early success has not depended solely on its forwards. Linus Ullmark has been equally important, beginning the season with a 4-0-0 record across his first four starts.

He has posted a 1.34 goals-against average and a .942 save percentage, allowing only five goals during that stretch. Those figures give Ottawa a significant advantage in a game where one or two saves could determine the outcome.

Strong goaltending also changes how a team manages risk. Ottawa can attack with greater confidence when Ullmark is making difficult stops, but the Senators must not confuse that security with permission to allow New Jersey uncontested chances.

The Devils possess enough individual skill to generate goals quickly. Jack Hughes, Jesper Bratt, and Nico Hischier can all create offense in transition, around the slot, and on special teams. Ullmark may need another outstanding performance if Ottawa is to leave Newark with two points.

New Jersey’s Power Play Has Suddenly Found Its Rhythm

The Devils arrive after a convincing 4-1 win over the Vancouver Canucks on Saturday. The result improved New Jersey’s record to 2-2-0 and gave the team a needed boost before the final game of its homestand.

Nico Hischier led the way with two goals and an assist. His first goal marked the 200th of his NHL career, making the milestone even more memorable. Jesper Bratt added a goal and an assist, while Jack Hughes finished with two assists.

New Jersey’s biggest warning sign for Ottawa came on the power play. The Devils scored three times on four opportunities against Vancouver, with Hischier accounting for two of those man-advantage goals.

That level of efficiency can change a game in minutes. Ottawa must avoid unnecessary penalties, particularly in the offensive zone or during moments when New Jersey’s top unit is already controlling possession.

• Hischier enters after a three-point performance.
• Bratt recorded a goal and an assist against Vancouver.
• Hughes supplied two assists in the Devils’ win.
• New Jersey converted three of four power-play chances.

The Center-Ice Battle Could Shape the Result

The matchup between Hischier and Stützle offers one of the night’s clearest individual storylines. Both centers can drive play, contribute on special teams, and create scoring chances without needing extended possession.

Stützle has been more productive over the first five games, but Hischier enters with fresh confidence after his three-point outing. Their responsibilities will include more than creating offense; each must also help control the middle of the ice and limit the other team’s transition opportunities.

If Stützle consistently gains speed through the neutral zone, Ottawa could dictate the pace. If Hischier and the Devils’ power play force the Senators into penalties, New Jersey may gain the advantage despite Ottawa’s stronger overall record.

What to Watch When the Puck Drops

The Senators should prioritize disciplined hockey. New Jersey has already shown how dangerous its top unit can be with extra ice, and giving Hughes, Hischier, or Bratt repeated power-play opportunities could erase Ottawa’s edge at five-on-five.

Ottawa also needs to support Ullmark by limiting second chances. The Devils’ best attackers are capable of extending possessions and creating rebounds, so the Senators’ defense must clear the crease and finish plays instead of allowing extended pressure.

At the other end, New Jersey will need an answer for Stützle’s pace. If the Devils back off too far, he can attack the space between the defense and forwards. If they overcommit, he can use his vision to find teammates in scoring areas.

The game therefore offers a direct test of Ottawa’s early identity. The Senators have the record, the goaltending, and the hottest offensive player, but New Jersey has home ice and a power play that just produced three goals in one night.

Senators vs. Devils Game Details

Matchup: Ottawa Senators vs. New Jersey Devils

Date: Monday, October 12, 2026

Time: 7:08 p.m. ET

Location: 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 another road victory, but the Devils have the tools to make that task difficult. Stützle’s creativity, Ullmark’s reliability, and New Jersey’s resurgent power play should make this one of Monday’s most compelling NHL games.