The New Jersey Devils earned their long-awaited first win of the young 2025–26 season, taking down the Tampa Bay Lightning 5–3 in an energetic home victory on Saturday night. After a tough start to the campaign, the performance was exactly what fans had been waiting for—fast-paced, physical, and fueled by offensive depth that finally came alive at the Prudential Center.

Connor Brown led the charge with two goals, finding the back of the net in both the opening and closing periods to secure a breakout performance in a Devils sweater. Captain Nico Hischier and forward Timo Meier each tallied a goal and an assist, anchoring the top-six with the kind of assertive play expected from New Jersey’s veteran core. Between the pipes, Jacob Markstrom stood tall, stopping 14 of 17 shots to notch his first win as a Devil and even his record at 1–1–0.

The victory marked a much-needed momentum shift after a rocky season opener, setting a positive tone as the team hits the road to face the Columbus Blue Jackets tonight, October 13, 2025, at Nationwide Arena. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 PM ET, and the Devils will look to build on Saturday’s success with another statement game against a divisional opponent.

While the offense clicked and the defensive structure tightened up, one of the most encouraging storylines came from the younger faces on the roster. Rookie Arseni Gritsyuk made his presence known with two assists—his first NHL points—showcasing the skill and hockey IQ that made him one of the organization’s most anticipated prospects. Meanwhile, defenseman Luke Hughes continues to look confident beyond his years, registering four assists across the first two games.

Jesper Bratt, one of the team’s most consistent offensive weapons, added another milestone to his résumé by reaching 450 career NHL points. His shorthanded goal against Tampa demonstrated not only his speed and finishing touch but also the team’s growing aggressiveness on special teams—something New Jersey struggled with at times last season.

Injuries have already tested the team’s depth early in the campaign. Forward Evgenii Dadonov was placed on injured reserve after fracturing his hand in the season opener against Carolina. The veteran winger is expected to miss at least 10 games, leaving a temporary gap in the lineup. To fill the void, the Devils recalled Brian Halonen from the AHL’s Utica Comets. Halonen, who led Utica in scoring last year, brings a mix of grit and scoring ability that could translate well in his NHL call-up.

The Devils also made adjustments on the blue line, moving defenseman Jonathan Kovacevic to long-term injured reserve as he recovers from a knee injury. These roster moves open up opportunities for young players and call-ups to make their mark as the team continues to fine-tune its chemistry in the opening stretch of the season.

Beyond the lineup changes, the organization also confirmed that this season will mark the final year the Devils wear their alternate “Jersey Jersey” uniforms—a look that has become a fan favorite since its debut. The schedule for when the alternate will hit the ice was officially released, ensuring fans have several more chances to see the design before it’s retired at season’s end.

As the Devils prepare for their matchup in Columbus, the team seems to be finding its rhythm—balancing the blend of youth and veteran experience that has long been considered the backbone of their roster strategy. With the core beginning to click, the new faces contributing early, and the coaching staff showing confidence in the system, New Jersey is positioning itself for a strong rebound from its slow start.

Fans can keep up with all the latest updates, game coverage, and team developments at Explore New Jersey, where every week brings the pulse of the Garden State’s team closer to home ice.

From the excitement at The Rock to the anticipation of another tough divisional battle on the road, the Devils’ story this season is just beginning—and if Saturday’s performance was any indication, the spark that defined last year’s squad may be returning right on time.