The Devil they know: Jets disappointed Hellebuyck sits...

Match Overview

The New Jersey Devils capitalized on Connor Hellebuyck’s unexpected absence to secure a 4-1 victory over the Winnipeg Jets at Canada Life Centre. The reigning Vezina Trophy winner was rested by Winnipeg management ahead of a back-to-back road stretch, leaving backup netminder Eric Comrie to face the Devils’ attack.

New Jersey established control early, building a 2-0 first-period lead through goals from Jack Hughes and Jesper Bratt. Despite a second-period power-play response from Winnipeg’s Kyle Connor, the Devils shut down the host’s comeback attempt with a third-period tally from Nico Hischier and an empty-netter by Dawson Mercer.

Key Stats & Facts

Game Metrics

• Final Score: New Jersey Devils 4, Winnipeg Jets 1
• Shots on Goal: NJD 26 – 29 WPG
• Power Play: NJD 1/3 (33.3%) | WPG 1/4 (25.0%)
• Faceoff Win Percentage: NJD 51.9% | WPG 48.1%
• Blocked Shots: NJD 19 | WPG 12
• Hits: NJD 18 | WPG 23

Scoring Summary

• 1st Period (06:42) - NJD: J. Hughes (11) | Assists: T. Meier, D. Hamilton (PP)
• 1st Period (14:15) - NJD: J. Bratt (9) | Assists: J. Hughes, B. Pesce
• 2nd Period (11:04) - WPG: K. Connor (14) | Assists: M. Scheifele, J. Morrissey (PP)
• 3rd Period (08:33) - NJD: N. Hischier (12) | Assists: O. Palat
• 3rd Period (18:45) - NJD: D. Mercer (6) | Unassisted (ENG)

Goaltending Performance

• Jacob Markström (NJD): 28 saves on 29 shots (.966 save percentage)
• Eric Comrie (WPG): 22 saves on 25 shots (.880 save percentage)

Player Spotlight & Standings Impact

Player Spotlight: Jacob Markström

Devils goaltender Jacob Markström delivered a stellar performance, stopping 28 of 29 shots to earn his 11th victory of the season. Markström anchored New Jersey during Winnipeg’s dominant second-period push, denying six high-danger scoring chances to preserve the lead.

Standings Impact

• New Jersey Devils: Improve to 16-8-2 (34 points), strengthening their hold on first place in the Metropolitan Division.
• Winnipeg Jets: Fall to 18-5-0 (36 points). Despite the loss—just their second on home ice this season—Winnipeg remains top of the Central Division and the NHL overall standings.