The New Jersey Devils completed a season sweep against the Utah Mammoth with a decisive 4-1 victory at the Prudential Center on January 3, 2026. This win marks a significant achievement for the Devils, showcasing their dominance over the expansion team in their inaugural season.
The Devils' offense came out firing, with Jesper Bratt opening the scoring in the first period. Bratt's initial shot was stopped, but he picked up the rebound and wrapped around the back of the net to score his ninth goal of the season. Just minutes later, Timo Meier capitalized on a play in the neutral zone, increasing the lead to 2-0. Meier tracked down a loose puck at the left faceoff dot and snapped a hard shot into the net for his 12th goal of the season.
In the second period, the Devils extended their lead on a power play. With Utah's Nick Schmaltz and Mikhail Sergachev serving penalties, the Devils capitalized on the 5-on-3 advantage. Jack Hughes passed the puck to Nico Hischier, who redirected it into the net, making it 3-0. Shortly after, Dougie Hamilton scored the Devils' fourth goal, further solidifying their lead.
Utah's lone goal came late in the third period when Michael Carcone's shot deflected off the post and past Devils' goaltender Jacob Markstrom, spoiling his shutout bid. Markstrom had an impressive performance, stopping 28 of 29 shots. He previously stymied the Mammoth in a December 19th game, stopping 32 of 33 shots in a 2-1 Devils victory.
Throughout the game, the Devils showcased strong offensive pressure and capitalized on opportunities. The line of Timo Meier, Dawson Mercer, and Arseny Gritsyuk was particularly effective in generating chances. The Devils' ability to maintain possession and make timely line changes kept the pressure on the Mammoth.
The Utah Mammoth, who joined the NHL in the 2024-25 season, have shown promise but struggled against the Devils. Despite a recent 4-1 victory over the Detroit Red Wings, they were unable to solve the Devils' defense and goaltending.
Looking ahead, the Devils will aim to build on this victory and continue their progress throughout the season. With key players like Jesper Bratt, Timo Meier, and Jacob Markstrom performing at a high level, the Devils are a team to watch in the Eastern Conference.
