### New Jersey Devils Celebrate First Win of the Season Against Tampa Bay Lightning The New Jersey Devils secured their first victory of the 2025-26 NHL season by defeating the Tampa Bay Lightning 5-3 on October 11, 2025. This win came after a challenging start to the season, where the Devils lost their opener against the Carolina Hurricanes. Connor Brown was a standout player, scoring two goals, while Nico Hischier and Timo Meier each contributed a goal and two assists. The game showcased the Devils' offensive capabilities, as they scored three goals in the first period, setting the tone for the match. The Lightning, who were looking to bounce back after a loss, struggled to keep pace with the Devils' early scoring surge [https://sports.yahoo.com/article/devils-beat-lightning-5-3-021431542.html][https://abc7ny.com/post/connor-brown-scores-2-goals-devils-beat-lightning-5-3-1st-win/17988395]. ### Breakdown of the Game's Key Elements 1. **Game Overview** - The Devils defeated the Lightning 5-3, marking their first win of the season. - Connor Brown scored two goals, while Hischier and Meier each had a goal and two assists. - The game was played at the Benchmark International Arena in Tampa. 2. **Scoring Summary** - The Devils scored three goals in the first period, establishing a strong lead. - Timo Meier opened the scoring, followed by goals from Connor Brown and Nico Hischier. - The Lightning attempted to rally but could not overcome the early deficit. 3. **Player Highlights** - Connor Brown's performance was particularly noteworthy, as he scored his first two goals for the Devils. - Hischier and Meier's contributions were crucial in maintaining the offensive pressure. - Luke Hughes and Arseny Gritsyuk each recorded two assists, showcasing their playmaking abilities. 4. **Next Steps for the Devils** - The Devils will continue their road trip with a game against the Columbus Blue Jackets. - This victory could serve as a momentum builder for the team as they look to improve their season record. ### Summary of Findings **The New Jersey Devils' 5-3 victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning marks a significant turnaround after a tough start to the season.** 1. **Strong Offensive Performance**: The Devils scored three goals in the first period, demonstrating their offensive strength. 2. **Key Players**: Connor Brown, Nico Hischier, and Timo Meier were instrumental in the win, contributing significantly to the scoreline. 3. **Future Outlook**: With this win, the Devils aim to build momentum as they face the Columbus Blue Jackets next. This victory not only boosts the Devils' confidence but also highlights their potential as a competitive team in the Eastern Conference this season [https://www.nhl.com/news/new-jersey-devils-tampa-bay-lightning-game-recap-october-11-2025][https://pucksandpitchforks.com/connor-brown-proves-his-value-to-the-new-jersey-devils-in-defeat-of-the-lightning].