Three Takeaways From Devils’ 2-1 Preseason Win Over Islanders

The New Jersey Devils started their 2026-27 preseason with a 2-1 victory over the New York Islanders on Sunday, Sept. 20. Both teams featured players vying for spots on their opening night rosters. With fewer preseason games this year, the pressure to perform is higher.

After a penalty-filled first period that ended 0-0, the Islanders scored on a power play early in the second. The Devils responded three minutes later, tying the game. The final period decided the winner.

Seven minutes into the third, the Devils took the lead and held on for the 2-1 win.

Utica Captain Scores First Preseason Goal

Ryan Schmelzer scored the Devils’ first preseason goal in the second period. Ethan Edwards controlled the puck in the Islanders' zone, passed to Ben Steeves at center ice, who then fed Schmelzer in front of the net. Schmelzer beat Vitek Vanecek for the goal.

Schmelzer captains the AHL affiliate Utica Comets, a role he's held since joining in 2021-22. Last season, he played 66 games for Utica, recording 27 points. He aims to improve his offensive production this season.

Brown Scores the Game-Winner

With the score tied after two periods, Connor Brown stole the puck seven minutes into the third, went on a breakaway, and scored past Vanecek to secure the win for New Jersey.

Brown played right wing on the top line with Cody Glass and Amadeus Lombardi. This line saw significant ice time, with Lombardi playing 20:39, Glass 20:22, and Brown 18:58.

Coach Sheldon Keefe noted the line is developing chemistry. Regarding Lombardi, Keefe mentioned, "In Lombardi’s case, we’re asking him to do things he’s never done. He’s on the left wing; he’s on the penalty kill."

Rittich Solid in Net

David Rittich made his Devils debut and looked strong in goal. He stopped all Islanders’ shots in the first period, including on the power play, finishing the game with 23 saves on 24 shots.

Signed during free agency, Rittich recently played for the Islanders. His addition is strategic for New Jersey, aiming for a three-goaltender system to maintain net strength, especially after losing Jacob Markstrom in the offseason. Rittich's performance in this game suggests he was a good signing.

Devils Play a Back-to-Back

The Devils' next preseason game is Monday, Sept. 21, against the New York Rangers. With a condensed preseason and training camp, the team needs to quickly finalize its opening night roster.