4 Takeaways From the Devils’ 4-1 Win Over Canucks

On Saturday, Oct. 10, the New Jersey Devils hosted the Vancouver Canucks for a matinee matchup. Both teams came out with a strong start, with the Canucks scoring on a power-play opportunity five minutes into the first. Just three minutes later, the Devils tied the game with a power-play goal of their own. With four minutes left in the first 20 minutes, an even-strength goal gave the Devils the lead.

By the end of the second period, the Devils had scored two more power-play goals to increase their lead even further. With no other goal scored in the final frame, the Devils took a 4-1 victory over the Canucks.

Hischier Nets His First of the Season

The Canucks were on the board first thanks to a power-play goal, but the Devils managed their own extra-man advantage goal shortly after. Jonathan Lekkerimäki took a seat for a high-stick on Brett Pesce seven minutes into the first period. Luke Hughes had the puck, and he passed it to Jack Hughes. Jack sent it back to Luke, who passed it down to Arseny Gritysuk. He spotted Nico Hischier in front of the net and passed to him. Hischier took a shot, and it went bar down and into the net to tie the game.

This goal marked Hischier’s first of the season, but it was the 200th NHL goal of his career. Hischier is now the fifth player to record 200 or more goals with the franchise. He joins a legendary list of players, including Travis Zajac and Patrick Elias. Here’s to another 200 goals for Hischier in a Devils sweater.

Lombardi Records First NHL Point

With his assist on Hischier’s goal, Lombardi recorded his first NHL point. He made his NHL debut with the Devils in their home opener on Oct. 1. Just four games later, he already has his first point.

New Jersey picked up Lombardi from the Detroit Red Wings in exchange for the Devils’ fourth-round selection in the 2026 NHL Draft. In his time with the Red Wings, he never touched NHL ice, just playing in the American Hockey League (AHL) with the Grand Rapids Griffins. He is finally getting the chance to play in the big leagues with the Devils and is making the most of the opportunity.

Devils Kept Power Play Alive

Hischier scored his first goal of the season on the power play, but the Devils continued to keep their power-play momentum alive. Four minutes into the second period, Jesper Bratt extended the Devils’ lead with a power-play goal of his own. Toward the end of the middle frame, Hischier scored his second power-play goal of the game to put the Devils up by three goals.

The Devils scored four goals in this game, three of which were on the power play. After the Devils went 0-for-11 to start the season on the extra-man advantage, this was the shift in the right direction New Jersey needed.

Allen Stuns in 500th Game

Jake Allen hit a milestone in this game, playing in his 500th NHL game. As a goaltender, this is a great moment for him and hard to come by. He made 20 saves on 21 shots the Canucks took in this game. Although the Devils outshot the Canucks 37 to 21, every time the puck did come by Allen, he did everything in his power to keep the Devils in the game.

In speaking to the media after the game, Allen reflected on his NHL career and the 500-game milestone, stating, “I think the biggest thing for me is that there was a point where I didn’t think I was going to hit it. I don’t think that’s within reach. I extended my career a lot longer than I thought I was, and I’m pretty proud of that… I’m a huge proponent of longevity, so I’m proud to be able to say I played this long.”

Devils Back in Action at Prudential Center on Monday

The Devils will remain at home and host the Ottawa Senators on Monday, Oct. 12. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 PM ET.