Both teams established themselves as elite contenders during this period:
Finished 1st in the Central Division with 121 points . New Jersey Devils vs Colorado Avalanche
In their most recent clash on October 28, 2025, the secured a dominant 8–4 victory at Ball Arena. This win served as retribution for the Devils' 4–3 overtime victory just two days prior at the Prudential Center. Both teams established themselves as elite contenders during