Islanders Hang On to Hand Devils First Home Loss This Season

Published: Monday, November 10, 2025

by Ryan Fox

NEWARK, N.J. - The New Jersey Devils (11-4-1) faced off against Metropolitan rival, the New York Islanders (8-6-2) on Monday night at home, and fell in overtime by a score of 3-2. 

New Jersey entered this matchup sitting at second in the Metropolitan Division, only behind the Carolina Hurricanes. New York was looking to extend their win streak to two after beating their neighbors, the Rangers, 5-0. New Jersey’s opening lineup consisted of Stefan Noesen, Jack Hughes and Jesper Bratt on offense, Brenden Dillon and Luke Hughes on defense, and Jacob Markström in the crease.

In the first period, just two minutes after puck drop, the Devils were sent to an early powerplay. Instantly, Timo Meier fired one past Ilya Sorokin with Bratt and Luke Hughes getting the assists. 

Both teams were generating great amounts of momentum throughout the first period of play, with the Islanders eager to gain another win on their roadtrip.

At the very end of the first period, former Devil Kyle Palmieri was sent to the box for a two-minute minor on a tripping call. The Devils closed out the first sitting at a 1-0 lead, and would resume in the second on the man advantage.

New Jersey started the second off on a power play but was unable to capitalize on the chance. After many minutes of back and forth, Bo Horvat netted one for New York, his twelfth of the season.

During the second, Markström shined, stopping 12 of the 13 shots he faced. The second period of play concluded with the score tied at 1-1, with New Jersey eager to extend their home-ice win streak at the Rock.

The final period of play picked up fast with both teams looking to get back on the scoreboard.  Markström made some incredible saves on very close calls. This game was Markström’s fourth start after returning to the lineup after being activated off injured reserve, giving Jake Allen the night off. 

Halfway in the second, New Jersey was sent back on the power play after Islander Calum Ritchie was sent to the box for a two-minute tripping minor. The Devils failed to score on the chance, but were given another opportunity after Mat Barzal was called for a high-stick. 

Shortly after the Islander penalty kill, New Jersey’s Paul Cotter was sent off for interference. The Islanders capitalized, as  Palmieri was able to squeak one past Markström with only 2:53 left to play, giving New York a late 2-1 lead. 

With the final seconds ticking away, the contest seemed like it was coming to a close, but Simon Nemec had something to say as he came up clutch with a big time goal, scoring from the point with only 4.7 seconds left. Bratt and Meier would collect the assists.

In overtime, Barzal found his chance on the breakaway and got it past Markström, securing an Islanders victory and avoiding a late game collapse.  As a result, the Devils lost their first game at home this season, but still collected a point thanks to Nemec’s late score.  New Jersey will look to bounce back from this loss Wednesday night against the Chicago Blackhawks at the United Center at 9:30 p.m.

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

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