Devils Dominate Panthers in Home Opener With 3-1 Win

Published: Thursday, October 16, 2025

by Ryan Fox

NEWARK, N.J. - After three games on the road, the New Jersey Devils (3-1-0) entered their home opener matchup against the defending Stanley Cup Champions, the Florida Panthers (3-3-0), and walked away with a convincing 3-1 victory.

The Devils were eager to extend their win streak to three after walking away with two wins over the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Columbus Blue Jackets.

In the first period, with just under two minutes in the opening period of play, Evan Rodrigues found the back of the net, handing Brad Marchand and Seth Jones the assists. Florida was eager to uphold their dominant reputation and defend their rights as Stanley Cup Champs through a respectable first twenty minutes.

Six powerplays were taken within the first, three for Florida and three for New Jersey, however, no team was able to capitalize on the respective man advantages.

New Jersey and Florida both played an aggressive first period. The netminders, Daniil Tarasov for the Panthers and Jake Allen for the Devils, put up impressive performances in the crease. 

Jake Allen assumed the starting job between the pipes for New Jersey after starting goaltender Jacob Markström suffered a lower body injury during Monday night's game against the Columbus Blue Jackets. As per Head Coach Sheldon Keefe, Markström will “miss a few weeks.”  As for Florida, they entered this matchup with core forwards Aleksander Barkov and Matthew Tkachuk out due to injuries.

In the second frame, New Jersey was sent to another powerplay within the first five minutes of the second period where Jack Hughes was able to fire one past Tarasov, getting the Devils back in the game with Jesper Bratt and Timo Meier picking up the assists. 

A total of three penalties were taken during the second period, one on Florida and two on New Jersey. The Devils sparked their offense and quickly began pestering Tarasov with shots on goal.

In the third, Florida was sent to the powerplay 38 seconds in. Unable to capitalize, it was still an even 1-1 hockey game. The Devils were eager to win at home in New Jersey in front of their fans. 

After fast paced action on both sides of the ice, Timo Meier scored the go-ahead goal for New Jersey, giving them their first lead of the game. Minutes later, captain Nico Hischier connected, putting the Devils up 3-1 with Dawson Mercer diving for the pass on a last ditch effort, giving him the assist.

New Jersey came out of this home-opener matchup victorious, boosting their record at 3-1-0 and putting them in second place of the Metropolitan Division. The New Jersey Devils will take on the Edmonton Oilers this Saturday at 3:30 p.m. at home.

Ryan Fox can be reached at ryan.fox@student.shu.edu.

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