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3 Takeaways From Devils’ 4-3 Win Over Avalanche
New Jersey Devils right wing Luke Evangelista (John Jones-Imagn Images)

On Tuesday, Oct. 20, the New Jersey Devils hosted the Colorado Avalanche for their first matchup of the 2026-27 season. The Devils came out strong in the first period, scoring the first goal. However, the Avalanche tied up the game shortly after.

By the middle of the second period, the Devils had the lead again. An early third period goal and an empty net goal gave the Devils a commanding lead. The Avalanche scored two late goals, but they couldn’t complete the comeback. New Jersey took the win 4-3.

Evangelista Strikes First

Luke Evangelista missed the last three games due to illness. He returned to the lineup in this game against the Avalanche and made an immediate impact with the team. Just six minutes into the game, Evangelista picked up the puck from Nico Hischier. He skated it to the net to score the first goal of the game.

Evangelista also picked up an assist on Declan Chisholm’s goal in the second period. This was Chisholm’s first with the Devils. Even though Evangelista missed the last three games due to illness, the extra rest must have done him some good. He went out onto the ice in this game and played like he hadn’t missed a single beat with the team. He has been a fantastic offseason addition to the Devils to start the 2026-27 season. 

Gritsyuk Keeps His Scoring Streak Alive

The Devils had the lead heading into the third period, but a filthy goal from Arseny Gritsyuk early in the third period extended New Jersey’s lead. He stole the puck from the Avalanche and began skating it into the Devils’ offensive zone. Gritsyuk had two Colorado players pressuring him, and he passed the puck to split the two. He picked up his own pass, taking it straight to the net where he scored on Scott Wedgewood.

Gritsyuk now has three goals in his last three games. This is his second NHL season, and he already has six points in nine games. He wanted to make a strong impact with the Devils this season, especially since his 2025-26 season ended abruptly with an injury. Gritsyuk is quickly making a case to keep him on the top six.

Allen Earned the Win in Celebration Game

Ahead of this game against the Avalanche, the Devils celebrated Jake Allen for playing in his 500th game, an accomplishment he achieved back on Oct. 10, against the Vancouver Canucks. For a goaltender to hit this milestone is an incredible feat. Every Devils player at warmups was wearing Allen’s number. Before Arlette sang the National Anthem, Allen was presented with a silver stick and a special fishing rod from Nico Hischier, Jack Hughes, and Jesper Bratt as a nod to Allen’s love of fishing. Allen’s family was also in attendance, and his three daughters each received a mini silver stick.

Even with all the fanfare, Allen kept his head in the game. For the first 20 minutes, the Devils did a fantastic job of keeping the Avalanche at bay, only allowing them four shots on net, while New Jersey took 15. The Devils outshot the Avalanche again in the second period, with New Jersey taking 17 shots compared to the Avalanche’s nine.

The third period is where the Avalanche woke up, taking 21 shots on net while the Devils only took nine. The Avalanche snuck two goals past Jake, including one with just five seconds remaining in the game. Despite Colorado’s late attempt at a comeback, the Devils were the winners.

In the game where the Devils celebrated Allen, he recorded his 229th NHL win. He has had a long, storied career in the NHL, and he should be proud of all his accomplishments thus far.

Devils Remain at Home

The Devils will stay at home and host the Anaheim Ducks on Thursday, Oct. 22. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 PM ET.

This article first appeared on The Hockey Writers and was syndicated with permission.

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