THE SCOOP
The Devils take their 1-0-0 record on the road for the first time this season following a 3-2 overtime victory against Philadelphia in Thursday's Home Opener presented by Citizens.
New Jersey controlled much of the game against the Flyers and finished with a 44-25 advantage in shots, but twice had to come from behind. Dougie Hamilton tied the game in the second period before Luke Hughes pulled the Devils even again midway through the third.
Jack Hughes finished it in overtime.
Jesper Bratt and Hughes worked a give-and-go on a 2-on-1 rush, with Hughes finishing Bratt's return pass for his 10th career overtime goal. Only Patrik Elias has scored more overtime goals in franchise history.
The Devils also got a strong performance from Jake Allen, who stopped 23 of 25 shots. New Jersey was unable to convert on four power-play opportunities but generated sustained offensive-zone pressure throughout the night.
Amadeus Lombardi made his NHL debut against Philadelphia, skating 8:03, while offseason additions Luke Evangelista, Anthony Mantha, Evan Rodrigues and Declan Chisholm also made their regular-season Devils debuts.
The Islanders have had a little more time between games after opening their season Wednesday night in Toronto with a 2-1 loss to the Maple Leafs.
New York fell behind 2-0 in the first period before pushing back late. Emil Heineman scored the Islanders' lone goal with 5:51 remaining in regulation, finishing a feed from Bo Horvat for a shorthanded tally. Ilya Sorokin stopped 24 of 26 shots.
The Islanders went 0-for-4 on the power play and won just 20 of 50 faceoffs in the loss, but generated more offense in the third period after managing just 12 shots through the opening 40 minutes.
Saturday is New York's home opener and the first regular-season meeting between the clubs after they saw plenty of each other during September. The Devils defeated the Islanders twice during the preseason, including a 4-1 win at UBS Arena in the exhibition finale one week ago.
The Islanders enter the season without Mathew Barzal, who remains on injured non-roster while dealing with inflammation in his knee. General Manager Mathieu Darche said earlier this week that Barzal could begin skating this weekend or early next week.
New York's roster does feature several new faces, including Brayden Schenn, Emil Heineman, Matias Maccelli and recently signed defenseman Logan Stanley. The Islanders also return 2025 first-overall pick Matthew Schaefer, who won the Calder Trophy last season.
Saturday is the first of four regular-season meetings between the Metropolitan Division rivals.
