The New Jersey Devils gave their fans something to cheer about Tuesday night, rolling past the New York Islanders 6-2 in front of a lively crowd at Prudential Center in Newark. It was the Devils’ first win of the preseason, and they did it with a lineup stacked with NHL regulars, a sharp contrast to the Islanders, who rested much of their veteran core.
The Devils controlled the game from the drop of the puck, outshooting the Islanders 38-15 and using their talent advantage to dominate both at even strength and on special teams. Dougie Hamilton, Dawson Mercer, Connor Brown, Nico Hischier, Ethan Edwards, and Evgenii Dadonov each found the back of the net, while Timo Meier and Jack Hughes chipped in with two assists apiece.
Hamilton opened the scoring late in the first period with a blistering one-timer from the left circle on a power play, set up beautifully by Hughes. It was Hamilton’s first of the preseason and a glimpse of how dangerous the Devils’ top unit can be when clicking. The Islanders responded quickly, as Emil Heineman slipped a shot past Jacob Markstrom on what was just the Isles’ first shot of the game. Markstrom, still working into form after a slow finish last season, played only the first period and stopped two of three shots before giving way to Georgi Romanov.
The Devils broke things open in the second period. Captain Nico Hischier scored his first of the preseason on the power play off a crisp feed from Jesper Bratt. Moments later, newcomer Connor Brown and Mercer scored just over a minute apart, putting New Jersey up 4-1. Mercer, who continues to grow into a reliable two-way forward, also added an assist, further proving why the team values his versatility.
Rookie defenseman Ethan Edwards, making his case for a roster spot, scored his first preseason goal early in the third period. Dadonov followed with a net-front tip-in on the power play, giving the Devils their third man-advantage tally of the night. The Islanders managed a late goal from Calum Ritchie, but by then the outcome was long decided.
Edwards provided another storyline in the third when he blocked a shot on the penalty kill and briefly left the ice in visible discomfort. He returned later for a shift, easing concerns about any serious injury.
The Devils’ special teams looked sharp, finishing three-for-four on the power play while holding the Islanders to two goals on four chances. The physical edge was also apparent, with New Jersey registering 31 hits compared to the Islanders’ 19.
For head coach Sheldon Keefe, there wasn’t much to critique. The Devils looked organized, confident, and ready for the season ahead. After sitting out the preseason opener against the Rangers, stars like Hughes and Hischier showed why the team is viewed as one of the most dangerous in the Eastern Conference.
With preseason still underway, the Devils will continue to evaluate prospects and roster battles, but Tuesday’s performance suggested that New Jersey’s core is ready to pick up where it left off. The two teams will meet again on Friday night at UBS Arena in Elmont, New York, as the preseason schedule continues.
Fans eager to keep up with the latest news, updates, and analysis on the team can follow along at Explore New Jersey’s New Jersey Devils coverage.
Player Spotlight: Jack Hughes, Nico Hischier, and Ethan Edwards
Jack Hughes returned to the ice Tuesday night after recovering from offseason shoulder surgery, and his impact was immediately noticeable. Hughes showed off his vision and playmaking ability, setting up both Dougie Hamilton’s first-period power-play goal and contributing to offensive sequences throughout the game. The captain looked confident skating with top-line wingers and demonstrated why he is considered the engine of the Devils’ offense.
Nico Hischier, the team’s steadying presence and alternate captain, scored his first preseason goal early in the second period. Hischier’s poise on the power play and quick release reminded fans of his ability to elevate the play of everyone around him. His leadership on and off the ice continues to be a cornerstone for the team.
Rookie defenseman Ethan Edwards also left his mark. Scoring his first preseason goal and showing resilience after taking a shot to the leg, Edwards displayed both offensive upside and defensive responsibility. His performance provides a promising glimpse at how he could factor into the Devils’ defensive corps this season. Edwards’ ability to contribute at both ends of the ice makes him a player to watch as the regular season approaches.
Tuesday’s game was a reminder that the Devils are blending veteran leadership with exciting young talent, giving fans a glimpse of a team capable of making a deep run once the season begins.
Key highlights from the game include:
- The Devils controlled play throughout the game due to the talent disparity between the teams.
- Dougie Hamilton opened the scoring for the Devils with a power-play goal in the first period.
- Nico Hischier scored his first preseason goal, also on the power play, early in the second period.
- Connor Brown and Dawson Mercer scored even-strength goals in the second period to extend the Devils’ lead.
- Rookie defenseman Ethan Edwards scored his first preseason goal in the third period.
- Evgenii Dadonov scored a power-play goal from the net front for the Devils’ sixth goal.
- Emil Heineman and Calum Ritchie scored for the Islanders.
Here are the game statistics:
| Statistic | New Jersey Devils | New York Islanders |
|---|---|---|
| Goals (G) | 6 | 2 |
| Shots On Goal | 38 | 15 |
| Power Play Goals | 3 | 2 |
| Power Play Percentage | 75% | 50% |
| Hits | 31 | 19 |
| Blocked Shots | 11 | 9 |
| Giveaways | 4 | 5 |
| Takeaways | 3 | 0 |
