Devils Dominate Oilers 5-3: Brown and Lazar Trade Goals in their respective new jerseys
NEWARK, NJ – The Devils outlasted the Oilers 5-3 on October 18, 2025, at Prudential Center, hitting 4-1-0. Despite Edmonton’s 7-1 shot lead early in the first, Evan Bouchard’s gaffes, including a turnover for Connor Brown’s shorthanded goal, swung momentum. Curtis Lazar’s first Oiler goal at 19:58.3 sparked his old rink, but Jack Hughes’ four points powered NJ’s control, dropping Edmonton to 2-3-0.
Ice Recap
First period: Devils lead 1-0 on Hughes’ goal at 5:48 (Bratt, Meier); Oilers outshoot NJ 7-1 early but can’t convert. Second: Meier makes it 2-0 at 8:15 (Hischier, Hughes); Draisaitl’s PP goal cuts it to 2-1 at 13:44 (McDavid, Bouchard); Nugent-Hopkins ties 2-2 at 17:22 (Bouchard, Ekholm); Brown’s shorthanded goal off Bouchard’s turnover pushes 3-2 at 19:07 (unassisted). Third: Mercer extends 4-2 at 6:20 (Bratt, Hughes); Hischier leads 5-2 at 11:09 (Bratt); Hughes’ empty-netter at 18:45 (Hischier). Lazar’s wrister with 1.7 seconds left sets 5-3.
Season Context
Edmonton’s preseason (4-2-1) flashed star power (McDavid-Draisaitl: 15 points) but defensive leaks (3.5 GA/game). Regular season (2-3-0): wins over Chicago (4-2), Nashville (3-1); losses to Calgary (4-1), Winnipeg (5-2), and NJ expose blue-line woes (12 GA in 5 games). Bouchard’s turnovers, like Brown’s goal, sting; Lazar’s 19:58.3 tally hints at bottom-six spark.
Stats Snap
Tm | SOG | PP | PK | Hits | FO%
NJD | 28 | 1/4 | 3/4 | 22 | 51%
EDM | 30 | 1/4 | 3/4 | 28 | 49%
Devils: Hughes (2G, 2A), Bratt (1G, 2A), Hischier (1G, 1A), Meier (1G), Brown (1G). Allen: 27/30 saves.
Oilers: Draisaitl, Nugent-Hopkins, Lazar (1G each); McDavid (2A). Pickard: 23/28 saves.
Rink Buzz
Lazar’s Fire: “First Oiler goal, 1.7 seconds left, in Jersey? Magic,” Lazar said. Gritty debut vs former team.
Brown’s Dagger: Ex-Oiler’s shorthanded strike at 19:07 off Bouchard’s gaffe burned Edmonton.
Bouchard’s Struggles: Turnovers, including Brown’s goal, marred Oilers’ early 7-1 shot edge.
Devils’ Heat: 11 high-danger chances, 75% PK fuel 4th win.
Oilers’ Woes: D leaks (12 GA in 5 games); depth scoring thin beyond stars.
Oilers face Red Wings tomorrow, Sunday, October 19, at Little Caesars Arena; Devils host Toronto Tuesday.
