Devils Dominate Wild, Extend Win Streak to Six

Published: Thursday, October 23, 2025

by AJ Rayer

NEWARK, N.J. - The New Jersey Devils (6-1-0) continued their strong start to the season and defeated the Minnesota Wild (3-4-1) Wednesday night in Newark. New Jersey has extended their winning streak to six games and now sit atop of the Metropolitan Division.

After dropping their season opener to the Hurricanes, the Devils have become one of the hottest teams in hockey to start the year. Coming off a win Tuesday night against the Maple Leafs in Toronto, it is safe to say the high expectations for Sheldon Keefe’s squad have been met thus far as they entered their Wednesday night contest against the Wild.

Early on in the first period, New Jersey was able to apply pressure quickly against Minnesota, putting multiple shots on goal within the opening minutes of the game. Eventually, with 3:39 to play in the opening period, Connor Brown was able to sneak a pass from behind the net to a wide open Paul Cotter whose quick shot earned him his first goal of the season.

The Devils doubled up the Wild’s on shots in the first period 14-7 while dominating offensive zone time.

After the intermission, the Devils picked up right where they left off. Brenden Dillon scored his second goal in two nights, six minutes into the period. The Devils defense was holding steady backed by goaltender Nico Daws, who made several incredible saves early in the period to keep the Devils ahead.

In the closing minutes of the 2nd, the Devils racked up two quick interference penalties, one being on Luke Hughes and the other on Brenden Dillion. Minnesota was not able to take advantage however, as New Jersey’s penalty kill shut down any scoring opportunities. 

So far this season, the Devils penalty kill percentage has been at 95.5% through six games, one of the best in the entire NHL.  Moreover, by the end of the game, the Devils had successfully killed the last 21 penalties they took.

As the game entered the final 20 minutes, the Devils continued to keep their foot on the gas. Minnesota could not get any real scoring opportunities and looked uncoordinated on defense.

Just five minutes into the period, the Devils capitalized on a power play following a slashing penalty against David Jiricek. Off the ensuing faceoff, Arseny Gritsyuk fired a quick shot into the back of the net, recording his first NHL goal. The tally marked a memorable milestone for the 24-year-old Russian.

Minnesota was able to get a goal back quickly after the Gritsyuk goal, as Matt Boldy connected to take away Nico Daws’ hopes of a shutout in his first game of the season. Daws, who played just six games last year for the Devils was excellent in goal, saving 29/30 Minnesota shots on goal.

With the game in its closing minutes, Jesper Bratt scored an empty netter to secure the 4-1 win for New Jersey. Bratt now leads the team with 11 points on the young season.

The Devils will continue their homestand and look for seven straight wins on Friday night as they host the San Jose Sharks.

AJ Rayer can be reached at alexander.rayer@student.shu.edu.

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