-
Contest: Utah Mammoths (19-19-3) @ New Jersey Devils (21-17-2)
the last devil game
The Devils beat Columbus on New Year’s Eve for their first win in five games. Things were once again not looking good for the Devils through the first two periods. Columbus scored in the first period from Mason Marchment and from Charlie Coyle in the second period to send the game into the third period with the Blue Jackets leading 2-0. Indeed, there was definitely a sense of “here we go again” heading into the third quarter. Before this game, the Devils had lost four games in a row, and so far this season, they have not won a game after falling behind in two quarters. Of course, this game will be another loss for them and their fifth consecutive defeat.
advertise
The Devils decided enough was enough in the third period and scored three goals in less than two minutes. Yes, guys, you read that right. The Devils have scored a total of five goals in their past four games, scoring three in less than two minutes. Nico Hischier scored a power-play goal at 2:49 (remember those?), assisted by the Hughes brothers. Arseny Gritsyuk scored his 8th goal at 3:44, and Luke Hughes scored his 4th goal at 4:45. Fans may have wondered if they were watching condensed highlights from the previous game, with the offensive burst lighting up their screens.
A win against Columbus was the game the Devils really needed to stop their losing streak. Jake Allen gave the Devils a chance to win, and for the first time in a while, the Devils offense truly delivered on their promise. The Devils, on the other hand, beat a Columbus team that has performed exactly as expected this season (unlike the Devils); average at best. Victory is victory. 2 points is 2 points. I’m glad the Devils won. Sincerely. At the same time, let’s not act as if all of the problems this team faced have now magically disappeared. They don’t. I sincerely hope this win kicks off a long winning streak, but I’ll reserve judgment as I’ve fallen victim to this thought multiple times over the past few years. Fool me ten times, well…you know.
the last mammoth game
Utah defeated the Islanders 7-2 on New Year’s Day. Both teams started off the same, neither scoring in the first quarter. However, Utah scored 3 goals in the second quarter, and Callum Ridge scored 1 goal for the Islanders, ending the second quarter with a 3-1 Utah lead. Utah State scored four goals on the road in the third quarter (including back-to-back power play goals less than three minutes apart), while the Islanders only scored one.
advertise
Dylan Guenther scored four points for Utah, including his first career hat trick. This is actually good news for Devils fans. This means we don’t need to worry about players getting the first x, y, z today against the Devils. If anyone in the NHL is looking to achieve first shutouts, goals, hat tricks, wins, etc., the Devils are the best team to play against.
Karel Vejmelka scores in Utah’s win over New York. He has played in 30 games for Utah so far this season, which means he will likely start today’s game against New Jersey, although that has not been confirmed at the time of writing. This is another good news for Devils fans (assuming Vanecek doesn’t start). We all know that if Whittaker starts, he’s going to make 61 saves, that’s a fact that the entire universe knows.
Injuries, tonight’s roster, yada, yada, yada.
Amanda Stein posted some interesting news on Friday afternoon. Paul Cote exits the lineup today and is replaced by Yoho Lamico. Cote practiced on Friday as part of fourth-and-D, so he’s healthy and this appears to be a game decision. To those who have been calling for accountability or for someone to step down, take note.
Before some of you (not all) get nervous, Dennis Cholowski skated for Luke Hughes who didn’t practice on Friday. However, according to Amanda Stein, Luke is fine and will compete today.
Back on December 28, Stein reported that “it sounds like it will take some time before Nemec returns, with Keefe mentioning that it could be a few weeks before it’s ready.” Evegenii’s “Remember Me?” has not been updated recently. Dadonov or who knows if/when he will return to the lineup.
advertise
I expect Jacob Markstrom to start today. Keefe has rotated goalies in each of the past eight games. Assuming this pattern continues, we’re pretty sure we’ll see Markstrom, although it’s not official yet. In a move that will surprise some of you readers, this is the first time in a while that I won’t be dissing Markstrom here. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not complimenting him, and I still think his best days are far behind him. However, he did perform well in December with a 2.85 GAA and .900 SV%. He gave the team a chance to win some games last month, which is the minimum you can ask of a goalie, and he’s done that recently.
Grimace’s Forecast and Record Tracking 2025-2026
Ghostface correctly predicted two games in a row for what seemed like the first time in forever. Maybe the worst of the new year is over? Regardless, Grimace predicts the Devils will pick up their second straight win today and their first win (and hopefully many wins) of 2026.
Grimace’s projected record for the 2025-2026 season currently stands at 11-9-0.
advertise
your opinion
Today is basically a matchup between two .500 level teams. The Devils should be a better team than Utah State, both on paper and on the ice. The question is, as has been the case most of the season, which Devils team will show up today? If the Devils can play the entire game today in the third quarter against Columbus, winning shouldn’t be too difficult. If the Devils play the entire game in the first and second quarters, expect another loss. In the immortal words of Walter Hartwell White (and Sheldon Keefe), the Devils needed to “grow some @#$&ing balls.” Feel free to leave your thoughts and comments below, thank you for reading!
In a bit of shameless non-hockey related self-promotion (with Chris’s approval – thanks Chris), I wanted to plug my brand new podcast here if any of you are interested in listening. We have relaxed, fun discussions about movies, music or video games from the 1980s and 1990s. Please feel free to hear from us in any of the forms below, any feedback (positive and negative) is welcome. Also, even if you think we stink, follow us and subscribe. 🙂
Youtube
advertise
Apple Podcasts
Spotify
