Devils demolished 9-0 by Islanders in humiliating defeat

The New Jersey Devils endured one of their worst nights in recent memory, falling 9-0 to the rival New York Islanders on Tuesday at UBS Arena. Despite dominating shots with a 44-24 edge—including 15-7 in the first period—the Devils couldn’t solve Islanders goaltender Ilya Sorokin, who earned his 26th career shutout. Veteran netminder Jacob Markstrom, meanwhile, surrendered nine goals on just 24 shots, including the first two he faced.

This loss marks the second straight defeat for New Jersey, following a home setback to the Carolina Hurricanes where defenseman Luke Hughes own-goaled twice. The Devils, who started the season 8-1, have now dropped four of six and six of their last eight, slipping below the Eastern Conference playoff line.

Markstrom’s nightmare night

Jacob Markstrom entered the game with solid recent form, but it unraveled quickly. Mat Barzal scored 62 seconds in on New York’s first shot, assisted by Ryan Pulock and rookie sensation Matthew Schaefer. Anthony Duclair followed less than three minutes later on the second shot, capitalizing on an odd-man rush.

Duclair’s hot streak continued, netting two more for a hat trick—his first since 2019 with Ottawa—including a one-timer from Barzal early in the second. Simon Holmstrom, Casey Cizikas (twice), Tony DeAngelo, and Cal Ritchie piled on, with Cizikas’ backhand shorthanded goal epitomizing the chaos.

Markstrom finished with 14 saves, his goals-against average ballooning. “We put up 40-plus shots, and they put up 20? Scored nine. I’m embarrassed of myself. Not good enough,” Markstrom said postgame.

The play-by-play revealed defensive lapses too: giveaways, failed clears, and blocked shots galore. For full details, check the ESPN box score.

Keefe stands by his goalie

Sheldon Keefe faced questions for leaving Markstrom in all 60 minutes. “I didn’t like the quality of chance that we had given up, and Marky has been playing quite well for us,” Keefe explained. He gave Markstrom a chance through the first, then into the second before deciding he needed to “battle through.”

This came after Sunday’s Hurricanes loss, where the Devils struggled to rebound. Keefe’s squad has won just two of their last eight, highlighting deeper issues beyond goaltending.

Jack Hughes returned December 21 from finger surgery but the spark hasn’t ignited standings improvement. The Devils sit above only the Rangers, Senators, and Blue Jackets in the East.

Captain Hischier demands response

Leaders stepped up in the locker room. Captain Nico Hischier called it “flat-out embarrassing,” adding, “We’ve got to rinse this as quick as possible and I’m in charge of that. I’m expecting myself to have a big response game and I’m expecting my team to have the same thing.”

Fans echoed the sentiment online, with reactions ranging from frustration over effort to calls for accountability. This rivalry loss stings extra, as the teams met for the third time this season.

For context on the Devils’ recent defensive woes, see analysis of their 6-3 collapse against the Flyers.

Islanders’ stars shine bright

New York’s offense exploded behind Duclair’s five points. Sorokin, back from injury, was lights-out, denying high-danger chances from Timo Meier, Jack Hughes, and others. No. 1 pick Schaefer extended his point streak to four games.

The Islanders, winners of five of seven, stay in the Metro hunt. Goals came in waves:

• 1st period: Barzal (1:02), Duclair (3:47)
• 2nd period: Duclair (4:01, 7:29), Holmstrom (11:12)
• 3rd period: Cizikas (1:36, 14:45), DeAngelo (16:22), Ritchie (17:50)

Detailed recap available at ESPN’s game story.

Road to recovery against Penguins

New Jersey heads to Pittsburgh Thursday, desperate for a reset. Hischier’s leadership and Hughes’ return offer hope, but fixing defense and finishing is urgent. A similar skid early season tested them; they responded then.

This embarrassment underscores the fine line in the Metro Division. Bounce back swiftly, or the playoffs slip further away. What it means: The Devils must channel this low into fuel, or risk a lost season.