The New Jersey Devils extended their winning streak to two games with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over the Utah Mammoth on Friday, December 19, 2025, in Salt Lake City. The team, energized by recent roster updates and a strong showing from goaltender Jacob Markstrom, continues to climb the standings and sharpen their play heading into the holiday stretch.
One of the most notable developments came with the activation of forward Timo Meier, who returned to the lineup after tending to a family health matter since December 11. Meier’s addition comes ahead of the holiday roster freeze, giving the Devils an important boost in depth and offensive potential. Corresponding roster adjustments sent forward Xavier Parent and defenseman Calen Addison to the AHL affiliate in Utica.
Head coach Sheldon Keefe provided encouraging updates regarding other key players. Star forward Jack Hughes, recovering from finger surgery, is ahead of schedule and could return soon, while defenseman Simon Nemec is also on track to rejoin by year-end. These returns will significantly bolster the Devils’ lineup as they look to maintain their momentum. The team also celebrated Kirk MacLean’s induction into the Devils’ Ring of Honor, honoring the former forward and coach as the fourth inductee in franchise history.
The game itself was tightly contested. Utah struck first with Daniil But scoring on the power play in the opening period. The Mammoth employed a fast-paced, defensive-minded style reminiscent of Carolina’s structured approach, putting pressure on New Jersey across all three zones. Despite the Mammoth’s early advantage, the Devils responded in the second period when Connor Brown tied the game, showcasing his agility and ability to create space in tight areas. Stefan Noesen ultimately secured the game-winning goal on a power play late in the third period, finishing a rebound play in front of the net that demonstrated the team’s persistence and tactical awareness.
Markstrom was the cornerstone of the victory, stopping 32 of 33 shots and making several critical saves, including a spectacular glove save on a wide-open shot in the third period. His performance highlights the importance of having a dependable goaltender in close matchups, particularly during the Devils’ ongoing push for divisional positioning. With this win, New Jersey has climbed back into the top three of their division, now sitting just one point behind the Capitals for second place with 41 points.
The Devils’ recent form has shown signs of stabilization after a rough stretch. They are now 3-2 in their last five games, and their 10-game moving average of expected goals differential has improved past break-even, reflecting better overall play despite scoring still proving challenging. Connor Brown, Nico Hischier, and Ondrej Palat have been instrumental in maintaining momentum, with Brown scoring three goals in the last four games and forming a strong line alongside Glass and Palat, noted for their relentless forechecking and ability to force turnovers.
Despite the win, some areas remain a concern. The team’s power play has struggled, converting on just one of their last 21 opportunities, while certain players on the top line, including Mercer and Bratt, have been less productive in recent games. Defensively, Dougie Hamilton continues to be a focal point of scrutiny, with his contributions on the blue line not fully offsetting decreased scoring rates and defensive lapses.
Looking ahead, the Devils return home to the Prudential Center for their final game before the holiday break, hosting the Buffalo Sabres on Sunday, December 21, at 7:00 PM EST. Fans can catch the game on MSGSN, Devils Hockey Network, or Sunset coverage. With key players returning from injury and momentum building on the road, the Devils are poised to continue their push up the standings and fine-tune their lineup in preparation for the critical final stretch of 2025.
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