Author: IHM Team | Date: October 23, 2025
The New Jersey Devils continued their October surge with a 4-1 win over the Minnesota Wild at Prudential Center, stretching their winning streak to six games. The team’s speed, layers, and structure again defined the night.
First impressions
New Jersey entered off a road win in Toronto; Minnesota arrived after a rare victory at MSG. The first period was tight and physical, but the Devils dictated pace with aggressive gaps and clean zone exits.
Dillon strikes again
Early in the second period, New Jersey pressed hard. Jack Hughes nearly converted on a breakaway, followed by a scramble in front of Filip Gustavsson. A minute later, pressure turned into points: Simon Nemec cycled for Dawson Mercer, who found Brenden Dillon at the blue line. His wrist shot through traffic made it 2-0 – Dillon’s second in two games.
Gritsyuk’s first NHL goal
At 4:00 of the third, David Jiricek took a penalty for slashing Ondrej Palat. On the ensuing power play, Timo Meier won the draw and Arseni Gritsyuk pounced on the rebound to score his first of the season. It was a clean setup: retrieval, rotation, and net-front execution.
Wild’s lone response
Midway through the period, Zeev Buium started transition through center, feeding Joel Eriksson Ek, who set up Matt Boldy for a shot off the bar and in – his fifth of the season. The Wild pulled Gustavsson late but couldn’t generate sustained pressure.
Bratt seals it
With 1:10 remaining, Jesper Bratt forced a turnover and scored into the empty net to lock in the 4-1 victory. Jake Allen stopped 25 shots, stabilizing every late Wild push.
Coach Mark’s Comment: “The Devils look mature now – they manage momentum, stay disciplined, and trust structure. Hughes and Bratt drive tempo, while the supporting cast delivers depth goals. That’s what a complete team looks like.”