Devils Edge Islanders 2-1 in Preseason Opener Behind Schmelzer and Rittich

On Sunday, Sept. 20, the New Jersey Devils opened their 2026-27 preseason schedule against the New York Islanders. Both teams featured players competing for spots on their opening-night rosters, making this shortened preseason especially important.

After a physical first period that produced six penalties for the Devils and two for the Islanders, the score remained 0-0. New York scored on a power play just under a minute into the second period, and New Jersey responded three minutes later. The teams entered the final period tied 1-1.

Seven minutes into the third period, the Devils scored again to take the lead. They held on for a 2-1 preseason victory.

Schmelzer Scores Devils’ First Preseason Goal

Ryan Schmelzer scored the first goal of the Devils’ preseason in the second period.

Ethan Edwards controlled the puck in the Islanders’ offensive zone and passed it to Ben Steeves at center ice. Steeves carried the puck into the Devils’ zone and sent a pass to Schmelzer in front of the net. Schmelzer slipped it past Vitek Vanecek’s stick for New Jersey’s first goal of the preseason.

Schmelzer serves as captain of the Devils’ American Hockey League affiliate, the Utica Comets. He became captain when he joined the team during the 2021-22 season, reflecting his leadership on and off the ice. In his previous season with Utica, Schmelzer played 66 games and recorded 27 points. He will look to build on that production with the Comets this season.

Brown Seals Victory With Breakaway

After 40 minutes, both teams had one goal, setting up a decisive final period. Seven minutes into the third, Connor Brown came away with the puck against the Islanders. He accelerated toward the net, outran the defense, and fired a shot past Vanecek to give New Jersey the lead.

Brown played right wing alongside Cody Glass and Amadeus Lombardi on the top line. Lombardi recorded the most ice time among the trio at 20:39, followed by Glass at 20:22 and Brown at 18:58.

The line appeared to be developing scoring chemistry early in the preseason. When asked about Lombardi during the postgame media session, head coach Sheldon Keefe said, “In Lombardi’s case, we’re asking him to do things he’s never done. He’s on the left wing; he’s on the penalty kill.”

Rittich Provides Steady Start in Net

David Rittich earned his first start of the preseason for the Devils and delivered a solid performance. He stopped every Islanders chance in the first period, including opportunities generated by the power play, and finished with 23 saves on 24 shots.

New Jersey signed Rittich during free agency after he most recently played for the Islanders. The acquisition strengthens the Devils’ plan to use a three-goaltender tandem following the offseason departure of Jacob Markstrom. Rittich’s strong debut suggests he could play an important role in the team’s net this season.

Devils Return to Action Against Rangers

The Devils will play their second preseason game on Monday, Sept. 21, when they host the New York Rangers. With a compressed training camp and a shortened preseason schedule, New Jersey must quickly evaluate its players and finalize its opening-night roster.

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