Devils Hit New Low With 9–0 Loss as Pressure Mounts on GM Tom Fitzgerald

Overview

• The Islanders routed New Jersey 9-0 at UBS Arena, with Jacob Markstrom yielding nine goals on 24 shots and Ilya Sorokin stopping 44 for a shutout.
• Since an eight-game win streak early, the Devils are 15-18-2 and sit just three points from the Eastern Conference basement.
• Fitzgerald faces escalating criticism for roster construction and for granting a reported 15 no‑move or no‑trade protections, which reporters say restrict potential deals.
• Reports indicate at least one trade was vetoed, including Dougie Hamilton using his 10-team protection list, and cap concerns could complicate activating Johnathan Kovacevic and Simon Nemec.
• Sheldon Keefe’s fit and in-game decisions, including leaving Markstrom in during the blowout, are being questioned as injuries and finishing issues persist and fan frustration intensifies, highlighted by recent boos for Luke Hughes.