The New Jersey Devils are currently riding a six-game winning streak, their longest since a 13-game run in the 2022-23 season. Their latest victory came Wednesday night at Prudential Center against the Minnesota Wild, with a final score of 4-1. This strong performance has propelled them to the top of the Metropolitan Division with a 6-1 record.
Nico Daws, who was recalled from AHL Utica, made his season debut in the game against the Wild, stopping 29 of 30 shots. Paul Cotter, Brenden Dillon, and rookie Arseny Gritsyuk also contributed goals, with Jesper Bratt sealing the win with an empty-netter.
Daws and Waivers
Prior to the start of the season, Nico Daws was placed on waivers. Despite a strong showing in a limited number of games last season due to a Jacob Markstrom injury, Daws wasn't expected to be on the NHL roster at the start of the 2025-26 season with Markstrom and Jake Allen in the lineup. Daws cleared waivers and remained with the organization. On October 5, 2025, Daws was placed on waivers for the purpose of assignment to AHL Utica.
The Devils' decision to keep Daws has already proven beneficial, as another injury to Markstrom created an opportunity for Daws to step up. In his first appearance of the season against the Wild, Daws' performance earned him a win and demonstrated his potential as a valuable asset to the team.
Injury Updates
The Devils have been dealing with a number of injuries early in the season. Goaltender Jacob Markstrom is expected to miss a couple of weeks with a lower-body injury. Zack MacEwen is on injured reserve with an upper-body injury, with an expected return around November 18, 2025. Evgenii Dadonov is also on injured reserve due to a hand injury and is expected to return around November 2, 2025. Other players currently on injured reserve include Cody Glass (upper-body injury), Juho Lammikko (lower-body injury), Johnathan Kovacevic (knee), and Marc McLaughlin (undisclosed). Stefan Noesen was activated from injured reserve and played against the Wild. Seamus Casey was activated from injured reserve and assigned to the Utica Comets of the AHL.
Win Streak
The Devils' six-game winning streak is fueled in part by their strong penalty killing. During this stretch, they have successfully killed off 21 consecutive penalties. Their aggressive approach at their own blue line disrupts opposition power plays and prevents them from establishing possession in the offensive zone. Winger Dawson Mercer emphasized the team's focus on maintaining momentum through penalty kills.
The team's longest winning streak in franchise history is 13 games, achieved twice. Once in the 2000-01 season and again in the 2022-23 season. The longest winning streak including playoff games is 15, set in 2006. The current winning streak demonstrates the team's potential and resilience as they navigate through the challenges of the season.
