The New Jersey Devils continued their strong start to the 2025 NHL preseason, defeating the New York Islanders 4-2 on Friday night at UBS Arena in Long Island. The victory marks the Devils’ second win over the Islanders in the preseason, following a 6-2 triumph in their opener on September 23, and highlights both the skill of their core roster and the promise of young prospects battling for ice time.
Friday’s matchup featured a blend of veterans, rookies, and players on professional tryout agreements, giving the coaching staff a full view of their roster depth. Luke Glendening, Arseny Gritsyuk, Nathan Legare, and Angus Crookshank all found the back of the net for the Devils, while goaltending duties were split between Jakub Malek and Jake Allen. Both netminders showed composure and skill, stopping 11 of 12 shots each and keeping the Devils in control despite a late second-period surge by the Islanders.
Coach Lindy Ruff and the Devils staff have continued their preseason strategy of rotating lineups, particularly along the defensive corps. Dougie Hamilton was paired with Ethan Edwards, while Nick Siegenthaler skated alongside Simon Nemec, and Victor Cholowski joined Seamus Casey on the third pair. Casey, making his preseason debut after recovering from a prospects challenge injury, quickly made an impact, assisting on multiple plays and demonstrating poise in both offensive rushes and defensive coverage.
Arseny Gritsyuk’s performance stood out, particularly on the game-winning goal in the third period. Gritsyuk intercepted a neutral-zone turnover, burst down the ice on a breakaway, and buried a second-chance opportunity past Semyon Sorokin, showcasing the type of offensive instinct that has Devils fans excited heading into the regular season. Nathan Legare also impressed, stripping the puck from 2025 first overall draft pick Matthew Schaefer and scoring a highlight-reel goal to put the Devils ahead for good. The defensive duo of Malek and Allen provided stability, with Malek especially shining in his NHL preseason debut, stopping 12 of 13 shots and demonstrating strong rebound control.
The split-squad approach continues this weekend, with two separate matchups on Sunday, September 28, both scheduled for 3:00 PM EDT. One squad will host the Washington Capitals at Prudential Center, while the other travels to Quebec City to face the Ottawa Senators at Videotron Centre. This strategy allows the coaching staff to evaluate depth players while continuing to develop line chemistry and defensive pairings.
Training camp updates reveal that several intriguing battles are shaping the roster. Arseny Gritsyuk has been skating alongside Jack Hughes and Jesper Bratt, giving the Devils an offensive line with significant playmaking potential. The competition for the fourth-line center role between Glendening, Lammikko, and Rooney is ongoing, with Glendening appearing to hold a slight advantage after strong preseason showings. Ethan Edwards has returned to full practice after blocking a shot in an earlier game, while Marc McLaughlin will be out for the remainder of camp due to injury. Additionally, Georgi Romanov signed a professional tryout agreement on September 26, adding further depth to the forward group.
Beyond the on-ice action, the Devils organization has announced enhancements to Prudential Center and special theme nights for the 2025-26 season, aiming to improve fan experience and bring the community closer to the team. With their prospect pipeline ranked 12th in the NHL for 2025, New Jersey continues to build a foundation of young talent, particularly on defense with players like Simon Nemec and Luke Hughes emerging as future stars.
Fans attending Friday’s game got a glimpse of both the NHL-ready veterans and the up-and-coming talent, as the Devils combined disciplined defensive play with opportunistic offense. The Islanders, featuring key forwards such as Mathew Barzal, Bo Horvat, and newcomer Jonathan Drouin, provided solid competition, but the Devils’ ability to capitalize on turnovers and maintain control in critical moments made the difference.
As preseason action continues, attention will shift to upcoming split-squad games and final roster decisions. With performances like Gritsyuk’s and Casey’s on display, the Devils are not only demonstrating preseason dominance but also offering a preview of the energy, skill, and depth that could define their 2025-26 campaign. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as the Devils prepare to enter the regular season with momentum, rising talent, and a commitment to competitive play.
For continued coverage of the Devils, training camp updates, and other hockey news across New Jersey, explore local team news and updates for the latest insights and fan perspectives.
