New Jersey Devils beat Pittsburgh Penguins 2-1 in shootout at home: A defensive battle

The New Jersey Devils extended their perfect home record to 7-0-0 with a hard-fought 2-1 shootout victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins on November 8, 2025, at Prudential Center. Paul Cotter delivered the decisive goal in the shootout, while veteran goaltender Jake Allen turned in a stellar performance with 33 saves through regulation and overtime. The victory propelled the Devils to first place in the Metropolitan Division and brought them within one win of matching the franchise’s longest home winning streak to start a season, set during the 1987-88 campaign.

This was a game that showcased the Devils’ resilience and ability to grind out results even when not playing their best hockey. Despite being outshot throughout much of the contest, New Jersey found a way to secure two crucial points against a Penguins team that entered the game with a respectable 9-4-2 record.

New Jersey Devils beat Pittsburgh Penguins 2-1 in shootout at home: A defensive battle

The game unfolded as a tightly contested defensive struggle from the opening faceoff, with both goaltenders stealing the spotlight. The Devils managed just six shots in the opening period yet somehow left the ice with a 1-0 lead, thanks to a timely goal from Arseny Gritsyuk at 19:12 of the first frame.

Gritsyuk’s goal came off a fortunate turnover, as he intercepted Kris Letang’s attempted backhand pass in the slot and quickly fired a snap shot past Penguins goaltender Arturs Silovs. The rookie forward’s awareness and quick release proved the difference in a period where Pittsburgh held a commanding 12-6 edge in shots.

Allen kept the Devils ahead through several dangerous sequences in the first period. His most impressive stop came at 9:42 when he flashed the glove to rob Ville Koivunen on a snap shot from the high slot. The veteran netminder’s positioning and reflexes were on full display as he denied multiple quality scoring chances.

The physical intensity ramped up as the period progressed, with both teams finishing checks and battling hard for puck possession in the neutral zone. The Devils’ ability to capitalize on their limited opportunities while weathering the Penguins’ territorial advantage set the tone for the remainder of the contest. Pittsburgh’s frustration grew as they generated chance after chance without finding the back of the net.

Former Devil Ryan Graves ties the game in the second period

The second period brought a shift in momentum as Pittsburgh continued to press for the equalizer. Their persistence paid off at 12:33 when Ryan Graves, who spent two seasons with New Jersey from 2021 to 2023, scored his first goal of the season against his former team.

Graves’ goal came from the left point, with his shot deflecting off Devils forward Ondrej Palat’s helmet and sailing over a screened Allen to make it 1-1. The goal carried extra significance for Graves, who had been searching for his first tally of the campaign. Playing against familiar faces only added to the drama of the moment, as Graves celebrated modestly after finally breaking through.

Silovs continued his strong performance in the Pittsburgh net, making nine saves in the second period alone. His most critical stop came late in the frame at 19:11 when he robbed Jack Hughes with a glove save on a dangerous wrist shot from the bottom of the right faceoff circle. Hughes, one of the league’s most dynamic offensive players, looked certain to score before Silovs flashed the leather.

The Devils generated more offensive zone time in the second period but couldn’t solve Silovs, who appeared to gain confidence with each save. The game remained deadlocked at 1-1 heading into the third period, setting up a dramatic finish. Both benches knew that one mistake could prove costly in such a tight defensive battle, and the players responded with disciplined hockey that limited high-danger scoring opportunities.

New Jersey Devils beat Pittsburgh Penguins 2-1 in shootout at home: overtime drama

The third period and overtime period featured end-to-end action as both teams searched for the game-winner. Allen and Silovs continued their outstanding performances, with each goaltender making key saves to keep their respective teams alive. The Devils had several power-play opportunities but couldn’t convert, while Pittsburgh created chances off the rush.

Silovs made a sprawling save during a Devils rush that drew gasps from the Prudential Center crowd. The Latvian netminder showed excellent lateral movement and flexibility to deny what appeared to be a sure goal. His performance went down as one of the best by a visiting goaltender at the Rock this season, even in a losing effort.

The overtime period featured multiple 2-on-1 breaks for both sides, but neither team could find the finishing touch. Allen remained calm under pressure, while Silovs matched him save for save at the other end. The five-minute overtime period flew by, with fans barely having time to catch their breath between scoring chances.

As regulation and overtime expired without a winner, the game headed to a shootout to determine the two points. The Devils’ perfect home record hung in the balance as the coaches selected their shooters. The tension in the building reached its peak as the teams prepared for the skills competition that would decide the outcome.

Cotter and Bratt deliver in the shootout

In the shootout, the Devils’ offensive weapons proved too much for Silovs. Paul Cotter opened the scoring in the first round with a confident move that beat the Penguins netminder. The former Golden Knight has seamlessly transitioned to his role with New Jersey and came through in the clutch moment when his team needed him most.

Jesper Bratt followed with another goal in the second round, giving New Jersey a comfortable cushion. Bratt, who has been one of the Devils’ most consistent performers throughout the season, executed a precise deke that left Silovs with no chance. The Swedish forward’s skill in the shootout has become a weapon for head coach Sheldon Keefe.

Allen slammed the door on the Penguins’ attempts, stopping both Bryan Rust and Sidney Crosby to seal the victory. Denying Crosby, one of the greatest players in NHL history, proved to be a satisfying moment for Allen. The veteran goaltender’s experience showed as he remained patient and made himself big in the crease, not committing too early to either shooter’s moves.

The victory improved the Devils to 11-4-0 on the season and 7-0-0 at home, matching the intensity shown in their previous overtime victory over the Montreal Canadiens. The team’s ability to find different ways to win has been a hallmark of their strong start. Whether dominating possession or grinding out tight defensive battles, New Jersey has proven capable of adapting to any style of play.

Goaltending excellence defines the New Jersey Devils beat Pittsburgh Penguins 2-1 in shootout at home result

Jake Allen’s performance cannot be overstated in a game where the Devils were outshot 34-24. The 35-year-old netminder has provided stellar backup goaltending behind starter Jacob Markstrom, giving the Devils confidence no matter who is between the pipes. His 33 saves through regulation and overtime kept New Jersey in position to steal two points.

Allen’s positioning throughout the game was textbook, as he rarely gave Pittsburgh shooters much to look at. His ability to track pucks through traffic and control rebounds limited second-chance opportunities for a Penguins team that thrives on crashing the net. The veteran’s calm demeanor also seemed to settle his defenders when Pittsburgh applied heavy pressure.

On the other side, Silovs deserved a better fate after stopping 23 of 24 shots through 65 minutes. The young goaltender has been thrust into a larger role this season and showed why Pittsburgh has faith in his development. His glove save on Jack Hughes in the second period will be replayed on highlight reels, showcasing the athletic ability that makes him a promising prospect.

The goaltending duel elevated what was already a tense game into a memorable showdown. Both netminders stole their share of goals and kept their teams in striking distance throughout. In a league where goaltending often determines playoff success, both the Devils and Penguins showed they have reliable options they can trust in crucial moments. According to NHL.com, Allen’s performance was particularly noteworthy given the shot disparity.

Maintaining perfection at Prudential Center

The Devils’ 7-0-0 home record represents more than just a hot start—it demonstrates the advantage they’ve created at Prudential Center. The team feeds off the energy of their fanbase, and opponents have found no answers for New Jersey’s balanced attack and stingy defense when playing in Newark. Visiting teams have scored only 15 goals total in those seven games, a testament to the Devils’ commitment to team defense.

This home dominance has been crucial for a team with Stanley Cup aspirations. Protecting home ice throughout the regular season often translates to playoff success, and the Devils are building that foundation early. The confidence gained from finding ways to win close games at home will serve them well when the stakes increase later in the season.

The victory also moved New Jersey into first place in the Metropolitan Division, albeit early in the season. The Devils have positioned themselves as legitimate contenders in what projects to be a highly competitive division race. Their next home game presents an opportunity to tie the franchise record for longest home winning streak to start a season, adding extra motivation for the players.

Sheldon Keefe has instilled a winning culture that emphasizes consistency and execution in all three zones. The Devils don’t rely on one line or one player to carry them, instead rolling four lines that can contribute offensively while maintaining defensive responsibility. This depth has been evident throughout their unbeaten home streak and gives them multiple ways to attack opposing defenses. Similar to their dramatic win over Montreal, the Devils continue to find ways to prevail in tight contests.

What the New Jersey Devils beat Pittsburgh Penguins 2-1 in shootout at home result means moving forward

For Pittsburgh, the loss represented a missed opportunity to gain ground in the division standings. The Penguins have now lost three of their past four games and will need to find more offensive consistency to remain competitive in the playoff race. Sidney Crosby and company generated plenty of chances but couldn’t solve Allen when it mattered most, a concerning trend that could haunt them in future close games.

The Penguins’ inability to win in the shootout highlighted an area that requires improvement. Special teams and shootout proficiency often separate playoff teams from lottery teams over the course of 82 games. Pittsburgh’s coaching staff will undoubtedly review the shootout execution and work with players on their moves and tendencies. According to the Post-Gazette, despite the loss, Arturs Silovs and Ryan Graves provided bright spots that the team can build upon.

New Jersey’s ability to win without dominating possession sends a message to the rest of the Metropolitan Division. The Devils don’t need to outshoot or out-chance opponents to emerge victorious—they simply need their goaltenders to stay sharp and their opportunistic offense to capitalize on limited chances. This versatility makes them dangerous opponents regardless of the game script.

The Devils’ early-season success has exceeded many expectations, but the real test will come as teams adjust their game plans and the schedule becomes more demanding. Maintaining a perfect home record becomes increasingly difficult as the season progresses and fatigue sets in. However, the foundation has been laid for a special season at Prudential Center, where the Devils continue to make it extremely difficult for visiting teams to leave with any points. As they chase the franchise record and division supremacy, every home game takes on added significance in what promises to be a thrilling race to the playoffs.