Credit: NHL.com
Devils Thrash Islanders For First Preseason Win
Published: Tuesday, September 23, 2025
by Jack Pine
NEWARK, N.J. – The New Jersey Devils got their first victory of the preseason Tuesday, as they took down the New York Islanders in an offensive barrage, 6-2.
The Devils got off to an aggressive start offensively, but could not find the net
early on, misfiring on multiple opportunities in the attacking zone. New Jersey would
rack up 10 shots in the first 12 minutes, with no goals to show for their efforts.
New York showed their physicality in the opening minutes, causing early tensions.
Eric Heineman and Marc Gatcomb’s undisciplined play would give the Devils their best
opportunity as both were called for tripping, giving the Devils a 5-on-3 opportunity.
Dougie Hamilton immediately cashed in, netting one with a slap shot from the left
wing, with assists from Jack Hughes and Dawson Mercer.
The early lead would not last, as Emil Heineman put one in with a snap shot from right
in front of the net, with assists from Calum Ritchie and Adam Boqvist. The game remained
tied into the first intermission.
After the break, New Jersey didn’t wait long to blow the game wide open. They again
started aggressive and drew another tripping call, this time on Adam Beckman.
Once again, the Devils moved fast, converting another power play goal from the captain,
Nico Hischier. This gave the Devils a 2-1 lead in the first minute of the period.
New Jersey wasn’t done, as they continued to keep their foot on the gas. Lightning
struck twice more in the period, as Connor Brown and Dawson Mercer extended the Devils’
lead to three.
In the third period, Ethan Edwards snuck one more into the net, extending the lead
after an official review. Evgenii Dadonov followed up just two minutes later for good
measure, salting it away for good.
The Devils showed some lack of discipline in garbage time, as Meier and Brett Pesce
were each sent to the box, giving New York a 5-on-3 chance. This led to a late goal
from Calum Ritchie, but New Jersey still came away with an impressive 6-2 victory.
The big shift in this one was undoubtedly the power play. New Jersey’s first two scores
came while New York was shorthanded. After that, the offense stayed in a groove the
rest of the night, netting four more after this.
New York’s goalies, Tristan Lennox and Marcus Hogberg, had a long night, as they were
pummeled with 38 shots on goal, while their offense only contributed 15.
The Devils will be back in action on Friday for a rematch with the Islanders on Long
Island, as they look to make it back-to-back wins in the preseason.
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