The New Jersey Devils emerged victorious against the Pittsburgh Penguins on Saturday, November 8, 2025, securing a 2-1 shootout win and taking sole possession of first place in the Metropolitan Division. Here are three key takeaways from the game:
1. Jake Allen's Stellar Performance: Goaltender Jake Allen was the undeniable star of the game for the Devils, stopping 33 of 34 shots in regulation and overtime. Allen's performance kept the Devils in the game, especially during stretches where the Penguins dominated in shot attempts. He then clinched the win by denying both Bryan Rust and Sidney Crosby in the shootout. His outstanding play was crucial to the Devils' victory and earned him high praise as the best player on the ice.
2. Timely Goal Scoring: Arseny Gritsyuk, a Devils rookie, scored a critical goal with just 57.5 seconds left in the first period, giving the Devils a 1-0 lead. Gritsyuk capitalized on a turnover by Kris Letang, intercepting a pass and beating Penguins goalie Arturs Silovs. Paul Cotter ultimately sealed the win with the shootout's decisive goal. Jesper Bratt also scored in the shootout. These timely goals proved essential in a tightly contested match where scoring opportunities were limited.
3. Devils' Home Ice Advantage: With the shootout win against the Penguins, the New Jersey Devils continued their undefeated streak at home, now standing at 7-0-0. This strong home record demonstrates the team's ability to perform well in front of their fans and leverage the home-ice advantage. The Prudential Center has become a tough place for opponents to play, contributing significantly to the Devils' success this season.
Despite the Penguins outshooting the Devils at times, New Jersey's resilience and strong goaltending allowed them to secure the win. Former Devil Ryan Graves scored the lone goal for Pittsburgh, which was a deflection off of Ondrej Palat. Silovs had 23 saves but struggled in the shootout, allowing seven goals on eight attempts this season. Nico Hischier, the Devils' captain, briefly left the game after taking a puck to the face but later returned. Anthony Mantha and Brenden Dillon engaged in a fight in the first period after Dillon's hit on Thomas Novak. Looking ahead, the Penguins will face the Los Angeles Kings, and the Devils will host the New York Islanders.
