The New Jersey Devils secured a 2-1 shootout victory over the Vegas Golden Knights on Wednesday night, but the team continues to navigate a wave of injuries that could impact their push in the Metropolitan Division. Goaltender Jake Allen was the standout for the Devils, stopping all three Vegas attempts in the shootout after making 37 saves through regulation and overtime. Jesper Bratt converted the lone shootout goal to clinch the win.
Injuries continue to affect the lineup. Forward Arseny Gritsyuk was placed on injured reserve today with an upper-body injury, while defenseman Simon Nemec remains sidelined with a lower-body issue. The team welcomed Brett Pesce back from long-term injured reserve, providing a boost to the defensive corps. Forwards Stefan Noesen and Cody Glass did not practice Wednesday but are expected to be ready for Friday’s game against the Utah Mammoth, giving the Devils hope for added depth moving forward.
Amid the roster challenges, the Devils also announced a major milestone for the franchise. Former player John MacLean will be the fourth inductee into the team’s Ring of Honor, with a ceremony scheduled for January 27, 2026. This recognition honors MacLean’s lasting impact on the franchise and his contributions to New Jersey hockey history.
While the team continues to perform in key moments, the goaltending situation has emerged as a central topic of discussion. Jake Allen has performed admirably with an overall .912 save percentage through 18 appearances, but the Devils’ team save percentage remains middling at .894, tied for 16th in the NHL. Jacob Markstrom has struggled since returning from injury last season, posting a save percentage above .900 in only two of his 17 starts, raising concerns about consistency and reliability in net.
Some analysts suggest the Devils consider carrying a third goaltender, Nico Daws, to provide depth and competition. With current roster constraints eased by multiple injured players and a personal leave for Timo Meier, adding Daws could allow Allen to maintain a starter’s workload while offering the team insurance in case of injury or performance lapses. Although Daws may not be a long-term solution, his career numbers in limited NHL action surpass Markstrom’s recent performance, making a compelling case for his temporary promotion.
Management, led by GM Tom Fitzgerald, faces a delicate balancing act. Pressing for a third goaltender could draw scrutiny due to Markstrom’s two-year contract, which heavily impacts the salary cap. Yet, adding depth in net may motivate the current starters and reduce risk over a demanding schedule. With a record of 19-14-1 and a fifth-place position in the Metropolitan Division, the Devils remain very much in contention, and roster flexibility could be critical in sustaining their playoff push.
Looking ahead, New Jersey travels to face the Utah Mammoth on Friday, December 19, at 9:00 PM ET. The team’s ability to manage injuries and optimize goaltending will likely play a pivotal role in upcoming matchups as they strive to maintain momentum in a tightly contested division. Fans and analysts alike will be closely watching the Devils’ strategy, particularly regarding whether a third goaltender is called up, and how Allen and Markstrom respond under increased pressure.
Coverage of the team’s ongoing developments, roster updates, and game analysis can be followed in Explore New Jersey’s New Jersey Devils section. With key players returning from injury and potential roster adjustments on the horizon, the Devils are positioning themselves for a critical stretch of the 2025-26 NHL season.
