On October 4, 2025, the New Jersey Devils wrapped up their preseason schedule in dramatic fashion, battling the Philadelphia Flyers to a 4–3 shootout loss in a tightly contested game.
The matchup, held at the Prudential Center, showcased intense competition between two teams vying for momentum ahead of the regular season. Despite stellar goaltending from Jake Allen and strong individual performances from the Devils’ rising stars, the Flyers ultimately clinched the win in a shootout, with Travis Konecny and Trevor Zegras finding the back of the net.
Devils Show Resilience in Early Stages
The Devils came out strong in the opening period, with Kevin Rooney putting the team on the board first at 16:09. Rooney redirected a point shot from defenseman Ethan Edwards, putting New Jersey ahead 1–0. However, the Flyers quickly responded. With just under two minutes left in the first, Travis Sanheim capitalized on a precise pass from Jett Luchanko to knot the game at 1–1, sending both teams into the locker rooms with the score tied.
Devils’ Special Teams Shine
The Devils wasted no time getting back on the scoreboard in the second period. Just 40 seconds in, they took a 2–1 lead, thanks to a power-play goal by Lenni Hameenaho. The Finnish forward finished off a slick pass from Shane Lachance, tapping the puck into a wide-open net. But the Flyers answered back with a power-play tally of their own at 7:47, as Konecny notched his first goal of the night, tying the game once again at 2–2.
New Jersey’s special teams were solid throughout the game, demonstrating the continued growth of the team’s power-play unit. The quick pace and high skill level kept fans on the edge of their seats, anticipating each shift.
Late Drama and Konecny’s Heroics
With the third period underway, it was clear that the game would come down to the wire. Paul Cotter, a player who had impressed all preseason, put the Devils ahead 3–2 at 11:50. Cotter pounced on a Flyers’ turnover deep in their zone, finding the back of the net with a quick tap-in to give New Jersey its first lead since the opening goal.
However, the Flyers weren’t about to go quietly. With just under two minutes remaining, Konecny completed his brace, scoring a clutch goal to tie the game at 3–3 and force overtime. The goal was a testament to Konecny’s quick release and lethal shooting ability, an area where the Devils’ defense struggled to contain him throughout the game.
Overtime Drama and Shootout Disappointment
Both teams pushed hard during the five-minute overtime period, but neither could find the decisive goal, despite several close calls. With the score still tied, the game went to a shootout, where the Flyers ultimately emerged victorious. Konecny and Zegras both converted their chances, sealing the win for Philadelphia in the final phase of the preseason.
Key Devils Standouts
Although the Devils didn’t come away with the win, there were several standout performances that bodes well for the season ahead.
Jake Allen: The veteran netminder was a standout throughout the game. With 33 saves in regulation and overtime, Allen kept his team in the hunt for victory. His composed and efficient performance in the crease has been a critical component of the Devils’ preseason.
Paul Cotter: Cotter’s third-period goal was a highlight for the Devils. Not only did he score the go-ahead goal, but it was also his third goal of the preseason, showing his offensive upside. Cotter’s confidence and playmaking skills were on full display, and he continues to make a strong case for a regular-season spot.
Arseny Gritsyuk: Gritsyuk, another promising young talent, added an assist on Cotter’s goal, which brought his preseason point total to five—the most of any player on the Devils. Gritsyuk’s vision and creativity on the ice have been noticeable, and his playmaking ability is something to watch as the season progresses.
Looking Ahead
The Devils’ preseason finale against the Flyers was a testament to the team’s resilience and growth. While the result was a shootout loss, there were numerous bright spots, particularly from the younger players who continue to impress. With the regular season on the horizon, the Devils will need to sharpen their focus and continue building chemistry, especially in high-pressure moments like overtime and shootouts.
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As the regular season approaches, the Devils are ready to take on their next challenge with high hopes and renewed energy, having learned valuable lessons from their preseason finale.
