NHL · January 31, 2026
New Jersey Devils @ Ottawa Senators
Free LineCrush game report for New Jersey Devils @ Ottawa Senators on January 31, 2026, with matchup analysis and pick ideas generated for the daily slate. Reports can update as lineups, injuries, and odds develop, so confirm time-sensitive details before acting.
Matchup Analysis
Hughes Out, Hischier Questionable: Devils' Center Depth Tested
Jack Hughes will miss the game due to a lower-body injury sustained Thursday against Nashville, though head coach Sheldon Keefe indicated it is not serious. Nico Hischier, the team's captain, is a game-time decision after missing the morning skate with illness. The Devils will rely on Cody Glass, who is returning after missing Thursday's game with a lower-body injury, providing relief at center. Without Hughes, New Jersey's record drops significantly to 8-10-0 compared to 20-14-2 with him in the lineup.
Ullmark's Return Could Spark Ottawa's Defense
Linus Ullmark makes his first start since December 27, returning after a month-long absence for personal reasons. The veteran goalie has posted a 14-8-5 record with a 2.95 GAA and .881 save percentage this season. James Reimer has backstopped the Senators recently, going 3-2-0 in five starts with solid performance, but Ullmark's return provides stability as Ottawa seeks to go 3-1 on its homestand.
Stutzle and Tkachuk Lead Senators' Offensive Push
Tim Stutzle leads the Senators with 55 points and has caught fire offensively after matching his goal total from the previous two seasons. Brady Tkachuk provides secondary scoring with 45 points and recently contributed with late empty-netters in Ottawa's 5-2 victory over Colorado. The Senators' top-heavy scoring attack provides enough firepower to challenge New Jersey's defense.
Devils' Playoff Desperation: Time Running Out
New Jersey sits ninth points behind Boston for the second wild card spot in the Eastern Conference. With three remaining games before the Olympic break, every point becomes critical. The Devils have shown signs of climbing back into contention with recent wins, but the ongoing injury situation to key players like Jack Hughes complicates their push.
Perron's Absence Limits Ottawa's Depth
David Perron has been sidelined since January 23 with a sports hernia requiring surgery and is expected to miss 5-7 weeks. This removes a veteran presence from Ottawa's forward rotation and limits lineup flexibility as the Senators navigate this crucial stretch of the season.
Pick Ideas
Over on Total Points
Stutzle and Tkachuk's offensive momentum combined with the Devils' recent scoring prowess suggests this matchup could exceed the total, especially with Ullmark's return potentially stabilizing but not dominating Ottawa's defense.
Nico Hischier Anytime Goal
Hischier netted the overtime winner Thursday and remains a top scoring threat despite the illness question mark; if he plays, he represents solid value on goal-scoring prop bets.
Tim Stutzle Points Prop
Stutzle has 55 points on the season and has demonstrated consistent offensive output; his propensity to put up points makes him a reliable selection for point-scoring props in this matchup.
Devils Moneyline Value
Despite injuries, New Jersey's 20-14-2 record with Jack Hughes and the team's recent point accumulation suggests potential value on the road, particularly given Ottawa's defensive questions even with Ullmark's return.
Low-Scoring First Period
Both teams may play cautiously early as New Jersey assesses their center depth without Hughes and Ottawa adjusts to Ullmark's return, making a low-scoring opening frame a potential play.