New Jersey Devils’ Top 10 Moments From the 2025-26 Season

The 2025-26 season did not end the way the New Jersey Devils had hoped, but there are some memorable moments worth revisiting. From breakout performances and dramatic comebacks to rivalry victories and individual milestones, the Devils showcased both their talent and potential. Here are the top 10 moments from New Jersey’s 2025-26 season.

Jesper Bratt Scores Shootout Winner Against Golden Knights

In mid-December, the Devils and Vegas Golden Knights battled through a tightly contested defensive showdown at Prudential Center. After neither team could break the 1-1 through regulation and overtime, Jesper Bratt delivered the decisive moment.

The Devils’ star winger scored the lone goal of the shootout, lifting New Jersey to a 2-1 victory. It was another example of Bratt’s ability to shine in pressure moments and give his team an important win against one of the Western Conference’s top teams.

Jack Hughes and Bratt Combine for 10 Points Against Capitals

Near the end of the regular season, the Devils produced one of their most dominant offensive performances of the year against the Washington Capitals on April 2. Jack Hughes and Bratt were unstoppable, each recording five points. Hughes finished with two goals and three assists, driving the offense from start to finish, while Bratt contributed a goal and four assists as the pair carved through Washington’s defense. Nearly every time they stepped onto the ice, they generated scoring chances and controlled the pace of play.

It was a reminder that Hughes and Bratt have become one of the NHL’s most dangerous offensive duos. Their chemistry, quick passing, smart positioning, and ability to anticipate each other’s movements created constant problems for the Capitals. The game highlighted the elite talent and demonstrated just how dangerous the Devils can be when their stars are operating at their highest level.

Devils Rally on New Year’s Eve Against Columbus

Few games showed the Devils’ resilience better than their New Year’s Eve matchup against the Columbus Blue Jackets. Trailing late in the game, New Jersey appeared headed for defeat. Instead, they mounted an impressive comeback, erasing the two-goal deficit and securing the win. The dramatic turnaround provided fans with an unforgettable way to close out 2025 and highlighted the team’s refusal to quit when down.

Gritsyuk Scores His First NHL Goal

Every season features milestone moments, and this season, Arseni Gritsyuk scored the first NHL goal of his career against the Minnesota Wild on Oct. 22. The highly anticipated rookie entered the season with high expectations after making the jump from the KHL. While adjusting to North American hockey takes time, Gritsyuk’s power-play goal marked the beginning of what the Devils hope will be a long and successful career in New Jersey.

Devils Defeat Defending Stanley Cup Champions in Home Opener

There was no bigger statement early in the season than New Jersey’s home-opening victory over the defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers.

Facing one of the league’s elite teams, the Devils earned a convincing 3-1 win in front of an energized Prudential Center crowd. New Jersey received strong performances throughout the lineup and showed they could compete with the NHL’s best.

Bratt Completes Comeback Against Canadiens in Overtime

The Devils’ sixth consecutive home victory came on Nov. 6 against the Montreal Canadiens. After falling behind by multiple goals, New Jersey mounted an impressive comeback in the third period to force overtime.

Just 36 seconds into the extra frame, Bratt buried the game-winning goal on his backhand, beating netminder Jakub Dobes through the five hole to send the Prudential Center crowd into celebration. It was one of the team’s most thrilling victories of the season and further cemented Bratt’s reputation as one of the league’s most clutch players.

Jack Hughes Records Hat Trick Against Maple Leafs

When Hughes is at his best, few players in the NHL can match his offensive brilliance. His hockey IQ was on full display when the Devils hosted the Toronto Maple Leafs in October. Hughes scored three goals for his first hat trick of the season, leading the Devils to a dominant 5-2 victory. The performance served as an early reminder of Hughes’ superstar status and helped set the tone for another elite campaign.

Devils Earn Statement Victory over Colorado Avalanche

One of the Devils’ most complete and impressive performances of the season came on Oct. 26 in a statement victory over the Colorado Avalanche. Entering the game, Colorado was one of the NHL’s top Stanley Cup contenders, boasting a roster filled with elite talent and offensive firepower. Rather than being intimidated, New Jersey dictated the pace of play for much of the night and showcased the type of hockey that proved they could compete with the league’s best.

The Devils received contributions from throughout the lineup, playing a disciplined, structured game while successfully containing one of hockey’s most dangerous offenses. The highlight came from Jack Hughes, who scored twice, including the overtime winner, to secure an 8th consecutive victory for his team. His game-winning goal capped off another standout performance and further cemented his role as the driving force behind the team’s early-season success.

At the time, the win felt like a glimpse of the Devils’ ceiling when healthy, confident, and firing on all cylinders. Against one of the NHL’s elite teams, New Jersey demonstrated its speed, depth, and ability to rise to the occasion in a high-profile matchup. Even as the season unfolded, the victory remained one of the team’s signature moments and stands as one of the most impressive wins on the 2025-26 schedule.

Hughes Dominates Rangers With Hat Trick

Few victories mean more to Devils fans than beating the New York Rangers, and Hughes delivered one of the best rivalry performances of his career. Hughes controlled the game from start to finish, using his speed and offensive instincts to create problems for the Rangers all night and ended the contest with a hat trick.

Scoring three goals against New Jersey’s biggest rival elevated the moment. It was one of the defining performances of the season and a reminder of Hughes’ ability to take over marquee matchups.

Simon Nemec’s Hat Trick and Overtime Winner Against Chicago

The top moment of the season belongs to Simon Nemec. In November, against the Chicago Blackhawks, the young defenseman delivered a performance for the ages. Nemec scored three goals for the first hat trick of his NHL career, becoming the unlikely offensive hero in one of the most entertaining games of the season.

After the game extended into overtime, Nemec capped off the night in dramatic fashion, scoring the game-winning goal, completing a stunning four-goal performance from a defenseman. This was Nemec’s breakout moment and a reminder of his immense potential and what made him one of the league’s most highly-touted young blueliners.

Beyond the statistics, it showcased his confidence, offensive instincts, and ability to take over a game. It was a major milestone for one of the organization’s most important young players and provided one of the most unforgettable individual performances by a Devil in recent memory.

Devils Should Remain Optimistic

Although the 2025-26 season ultimately fell short of expectations, it was still filled with memorable moments. As they look ahead, these 10 highlights should serve as reminders of the talent already in place and why optimism remains for the future in New Jersey.