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Timo Meier, New Jersey Devils (Jess Starr/The Hockey Writers)

3 Takeaways From the Devils’ 1-0 Shutout Loss to the Islanders

Originally posted on The Hockey Writers | By Jess Amato | Last updated Apr 14, 2025 11:05 AM ET

The New Jersey Devils hosted the New York Islanders for a matinee hockey game on Sunday, April 13. The two Metropolitan Division teams squared off for their final game of the season. The season series was tied heading into this game, but the Islanders took the victory in both the series and the game with the help of a 1-0 shutout victory.

Meier Helped the Islanders Score Their Single Goal

The Devils had an off game, but it was Timo Meier who assisted the Islanders in their single goal of the game. Meier had control of the puck in the Islanders’ offensive zone. He tried to pass it to Brett Pesce on his left, but Bo Horvat skated up to the net just as he made the pass. Horvat stole the puck and sent it into the back of Jacob Markstrom’s net with less than a minute remaining in the second period.

With his performance in this game, Meier earned a minus-1. In total this season, he is positive with a plus-6. This season, especially in the absence of Jack Hughes, Meier has undoubtedly stepped up his performance. He currently has a total of 50 points via 25 goals and 25 assists. Meier is in the top six on the second line, alongside Erik Haula and Dawson Mercer. Meier has had a good regular season, however, if the Devils want to continue their success into the postseason, he cannot keep making these little mistakes.

Hamilton’s Return Should Bolster Defense

A familiar face returned during warmups! Dougie Hamilton skated on the ice before the game for the first time since his injury on March 4 against the Dallas Stars. This is a huge step on his road to recovery.

Before Hamilton was injured, he played in 63 games and recorded 40 points via nine goals and 31 assists. With a plus-9, he was a positive force in the Devils’ scoring chances. He also played on the first pairing alongside Brenden Dillon. In this game, Dillon played on the third pairing alongside Simon Nemec, while Luke Hughes and Brett Pesce took up the first line of defense. Unfortunately, Pesce’s defense was also lacking, as mentioned above with Meier’s pass.

There is no denying that Hamilton is an excellent defenseman and a player the Devils need right now heading into the postseason. There are only two games left in the regular season, and then the playoffs begin on Saturday. Hamilton skating in warmups is a great sign that the defenseman could return to the lineup soon. Hopefully, he will be back to elevate the Devils in the playoffs.

Devils Continue to Fall to Eliminated Teams

The Devils are now on a three-game losing streak. In all three games, they lost to teams that have been eliminated from playoff contention. The Boston Bruins, Pittsburgh Penguins, and now the Islanders have all defeated the Devils in regulation time. The Devils will need to get into fighting shape as they prepare to take on the postseason.

The Devils will face the Carolina Hurricanes in the first round of the playoffs. New Jersey has played Carolina four times this season, and each team came away with two wins in the season series. The Devils have not played Carolina since Dec. 28, and Carolina is a much more competitive team than the three the Devils have lost to.

Although the Devils are currently riddled with injuries, they have found success while some of their best players have been out. They need to tap into that success as they begin their chase for the Stanley Cup in a week.

Devils Have One More Road Trip

The Devils will take on the Boston Bruins at TD Garden on Tuesday, April 15. This is a rematch from the prior Tuesday at the Prudential Center. New Jersey needs to shake off their losing streak.