Devils extend six-game winning streak against Minnesota Wild to six games

The New Jersey Devils entered their matchup against the Minnesota Wild on October 22, 2025, riding high on a five-game winning streak that had seen them emerge as one of the NHL’s hottest teams. Playing on back-to-back nights after defeating the Toronto Maple Leafs 5-2, the Devils showcased their depth and resilience at the Prudential Center, extending their winning streak to six games with a convincing 4-1 victory over Minnesota. This remarkable run has positioned New Jersey as a formidable force in the early season, marking their longest winning streak since a spectacular 13-game run from October to November 2022.

The victory against the Wild wasn’t just another notch in the win column—it was a statement performance that demonstrated the Devils’ ability to maintain their momentum even when facing adversity. With backup goaltender Nico Daws making his season debut and delivering a stellar 29-save performance, New Jersey proved they have the depth and determination to compete at the highest level.

Devils’ domination begins with special teams excellence in six-game winning streak

The foundation of the New Jersey Devils’ six-game winning streak against Minnesota Wild 2025 and their broader success has been their exceptional special teams performance. The Devils entered the game with an astonishing penalty kill success rate, and they maintained that excellence by going a perfect 3-for-3 against the Wild’s power play. This performance pushed their season penalty kill record to an impressive 24-for-25, with an active streak of 21 consecutive power plays killed.

This defensive prowess has become a hallmark of the Devils’ identity this season. While offensive firepower often garners the headlines, it’s the team’s commitment to defensive structure and discipline that has provided the platform for their success. The penalty kill unit, anchored by responsible play from forwards and defensemen alike, has consistently frustrated opposing power plays and created momentum-shifting moments.

The Wild, who came into the game struggling at 3-4-1 and finishing a disappointing five-game road trip with a 1-3-1 record, couldn’t capitalize on their limited power play opportunities. Minnesota’s inability to break through against New Jersey’s penalty kill effectively ended any chance they had of mounting a serious comeback. When teams can’t score on the power play against a hot opponent, it creates a psychological barrier that becomes increasingly difficult to overcome.

Special teams excellence extends beyond just the penalty kill for the Devils. Their power play has also been effective, as evidenced by Arseny Gritsyuk’s first NHL goal coming with the man advantage in the third period. The ability to dominate in all three phases of the game—even strength, power play, and penalty kill—is what separates contending teams from pretenders in the modern NHL.

Paul Cotter and Brenden Dillon provide offensive spark

The Devils’ offensive attack has been characterized by balanced scoring throughout their six-game winning streak, and the game against Minnesota was no exception. Paul Cotter opened the scoring at 16:21 of the first period with a perfectly executed sequence that showcased New Jersey’s attention to detail. After Dawson Mercer won a crucial faceoff in the Devils’ zone, Connor Brown collected the puck behind the net and found Cotter in the slot. Cotter’s quick release on his wrist shot beat Filip Gustavsson cleanly, giving the Devils the early lead they desperately wanted.

Cotter’s goal was crucial not just for the score itself, but for the confidence it instilled in the team. Playing on back-to-back nights is always challenging, and getting that first goal early in the game allowed the Devils to play with a lead and dictate the pace. The chemistry between Cotter, Brown, and Mercer on that play was indicative of a team that’s clicking at the right time, with players developing an instinctive understanding of where their teammates will be.

Brenden Dillon extended the lead to 2-0 at 6:08 of the second period, scoring his second goal in as many games. Dillon’s snap shot from the left point threaded through traffic and beat Gustavsson, who was screened by his own defenders and Devils forwards battling for position. For a defenseman who hadn’t scored since December 17, 2024, Dillon has found his offensive touch at precisely the right moment for New Jersey.

According to the NHL’s official game recap, Dillon’s contributions have been invaluable during this stretch. His ability to join the rush and create offense from the blue line adds another dimension to the Devils’ attack. When defensemen can contribute offensively while maintaining their defensive responsibilities, it creates matchup problems for opposing teams that become increasingly difficult to solve over the course of a game.

The secondary scoring from players like Cotter and Dillon has been essential to the Devils’ success. While star players like Jack Hughes and Jesper Bratt remain crucial to the team’s offensive identity, having depth players step up and contribute makes New Jersey far more difficult to defend against. Teams can’t simply focus on shutting down one or two lines when the entire roster is capable of producing offense.

Nico Daws delivers standout performance in season debut

Perhaps the most impressive aspect of the New Jersey Devils’ six-game winning streak against Minnesota Wild 2025 was the performance of goaltender Nico Daws in his season debut. Coming into a back-to-back situation is never easy for a goaltender, especially when it’s your first action of the season, but Daws looked sharp from the opening faceoff. He made 29 saves, including several spectacular stops that kept Minnesota from building any momentum.

Daws’ most impressive save came at 18:14 of the second period when he robbed Ryan Hartman with a right pad stop at the left post just as a Minnesota power play expired. That save was a turning point in the game, as it preserved the Devils’ two-goal lead heading into the third period. Had Hartman scored on that opportunity, the complexion of the game could have changed dramatically, with momentum swinging to the Wild’s side.

The Devils’ goaltending depth has been a question mark at times in recent seasons, but Daws’ performance demonstrated that New Jersey has capable netminders throughout their system. Being able to trust your backup goaltender in crucial situations is essential for any team with championship aspirations, and Daws proved he can handle that responsibility. His calm demeanor and technical proficiency were on full display throughout the evening.

The confidence that Daws’ performance instills in the Devils’ coaching staff and roster cannot be overstated. As detailed in The Hockey Writers’ recap, knowing that you can win games with different goaltenders provides flexibility for rest and rotation throughout the grueling 82-game season. This depth could prove crucial as the season progresses and the Devils navigate the challenges of playoff positioning.

Arseny Gritsyuk’s milestone moment highlights Devils’ rookie impact

One of the most memorable moments of the New Jersey Devils’ six-game winning streak against Minnesota Wild 2025 came when rookie forward Arseny Gritsyuk scored his first NHL goal. Playing in just his seventh NHL game, Gritsyuk found himself in the right place at the right time at 4:53 of the third period on a power play opportunity. After Timo Meier won a crucial faceoff, the puck found itself to Gritsyuk in the high slot, and he wasted no time snapping a shot past Gustavsson to make it 3-0.

The goal was more than just a milestone for the young Russian forward—it was a confidence-building moment that could shape his entire career trajectory. First NHL goals are often scored in scrambly, chaotic situations, but Gritsyuk’s goal showcased his offensive instincts and quick release. Being able to execute in that high-pressure situation, with the game still in the balance, speaks volumes about his mental makeup and skill level.

Gritsyuk’s development has been one of the positive storylines of New Jersey’s early season success. The Devils have shown faith in their young players, integrating them into the lineup and giving them opportunities to succeed in meaningful situations. Rather than sheltering rookies or limiting their ice time, head coach Sheldon Keefe has demonstrated a willingness to trust his young players in all situations, including power plays.

The impact of having young players contribute cannot be understated when building a winning culture. Veterans like Dillon and experienced forwards set the tone, but when rookies like Gritsyuk step up and contribute, it creates a sense of shared responsibility and collective achievement. Every player feels invested in the success of the team, which strengthens the bonds in the locker room.

For Gritsyuk personally, scoring his first goal during a winning streak adds to the positive memories and associations he’ll have with his early NHL career. These formative experiences shape a player’s confidence and belief in their abilities. As the season progresses, Gritsyuk will look back on this moment as the beginning of his NHL journey, and what better way to start than by contributing to a historic winning streak?

Minnesota’s struggles on the road continue to mount

While the focus naturally falls on the New Jersey Devils’ six-game winning streak against Minnesota Wild 2025, it’s worth examining the challenges that Minnesota has faced during this difficult stretch. The Wild finished their five-game road trip with a disappointing 1-3-1 record, managing just one victory against the New York Rangers on October 20. This extended road trip exposed some of the vulnerabilities in Minnesota’s game that weren’t as apparent during their home stand.

Filip Gustavsson, who made 31 saves in the loss, has been solid for the Wild this season, but even the best goaltenders can’t overcome a lack of offensive support and defensive breakdowns. The Wild managed just one goal from Matt Boldy in the third period, and by that point, the game was already out of reach at 3-0. Boldy’s goal, his fifth of the season, came at 10:37 of the third period when he beat Daws with a wrist shot from the left hash marks that banked off the crossbar, but it was too little, too late.

Minnesota’s inability to generate consistent offensive pressure against the Devils was concerning. While they managed 30 shots on goal, many of those attempts came from the perimeter or were effectively managed by New Jersey’s defensive structure. The Wild lacked the sustained zone time and high-danger scoring chances necessary to break down a confident team playing with momentum.

The road trip’s challenges highlight the importance of finding ways to generate offense even when circumstances aren’t ideal. Playing five games away from home tests a team’s depth, resilience, and ability to execute their game plan in hostile environments. For Minnesota, this trip revealed that they still have work to do in establishing their identity as a team that can win consistently regardless of venue.

Looking ahead, the Wild will need to regroup and refocus as they return home to host Utah on October 25. The familiarity of their home arena and the support of their fans could provide the spark needed to get back on track, but the lessons learned during this road trip cannot be ignored.

Historical context of the Devils’ impressive winning streak in 2025

The New Jersey Devils’ six-game winning streak against Minnesota Wild 2025 represents their longest winning streak since the spectacular 13-game run from October 25 to November 21, 2022. That previous streak was a special time in Devils history, as the team captured the attention of the hockey world with their high-octane offense and suffocating defense. This current six-game streak may not have reached those heights yet, but it has the potential to continue building if the Devils maintain their current form.

Winning streaks in the NHL are difficult to achieve and even harder to maintain. The parity across the league means that any team can beat any other team on any given night, especially with the demanding travel schedules and back-to-back situations that test depth and endurance. For the Devils to win six consecutive games, including a back-to-back against quality opponents like Toronto and Minnesota, speaks to the depth and character of this roster.

The 2022 winning streak ultimately propelled the Devils to the playoffs and established them as a rising power in the Eastern Conference. This current streak has the potential to serve a similar purpose, building confidence and cohesion during the crucial early season period when teams are still finding their identity. The habits and systems that are being reinforced during this winning streak will serve the Devils well throughout the season.

One interesting aspect of this winning streak is the variety of ways the Devils have won games. They’ve won high-scoring affairs and tight defensive battles. They’ve received contributions from stars and depth players alike. They’ve gotten strong goaltending from multiple netminders. This versatility and ability to win in different ways is the hallmark of a legitimate contender.

As the streak continues, the pressure will inevitably mount. Opponents will be more motivated to end the Devils’ run, and the media attention will increase. How the team handles this pressure will reveal much about their mental toughness and championship potential. If they can extend the streak while maintaining their focus on the process rather than the results, it will bode well for their long-term prospects.

What the winning streak means for New Jersey’s championship aspirations

The New Jersey Devils’ six-game winning streak against Minnesota Wild 2025 has significant implications for the team’s season trajectory and championship aspirations. At 6-1-0, the Devils have established themselves as one of the NHL’s elite teams in the early going. While it’s still early in the season and much can change over 82 games, these first seven games have revealed that New Jersey has the talent, depth, and system to compete with anyone.

The confidence that comes from a winning streak is invaluable. Players who might have been pressing early in the season now feel more relaxed and capable of making plays. The trust between teammates grows with each victory, as does the belief in the coaching staff’s systems and strategies. This psychological edge can carry a team through difficult stretches later in the season when injuries, fatigue, and adversity inevitably arise.

From a standings perspective, every point matters in the tightly contested Metropolitan Division and Eastern Conference. The Devils’ hot start has given them breathing room and put them in position to compete for home-ice advantage in the playoffs. While it’s far too early to make definitive statements about playoff seeding, starting strong is always preferable to digging out of an early-season hole.

The team’s success has also validated the offseason moves and organizational decisions made by Devils management. The additions and subtractions made during the summer have clearly worked, as has the development of young players like Gritsyuk. When a team’s vision comes together on the ice, it creates organizational alignment and purpose that extends from the front office through the coaching staff and onto the roster itself.

As the Devils prepare to host the San Jose Sharks on October 24, they’ll have an opportunity to extend their winning streak to seven games. Every game presents new challenges and opportunities, but if New Jersey continues to play the complete, team-first hockey they’ve displayed during this stretch, there’s no reason to believe the streak can’t continue. The foundation has been laid for what could be a special season in Newark, and fans have every reason to be excited about what lies ahead for their beloved Devils.