New Jersey Devils

Islanders Defenseman Calls Out Devils, Targets Jack Hughes

After taking a bit hit from Kurtis MacDermid, Alexander Romanov targets Jack Hughes, then calls out the Devils in the postgame.

Published

4 weeks ago

October 26, 2024

James Nichols

New York Islanders defenseman Alexander Romanov (28) falls to the ice after being hit by New Jersey Devils left wing Kurtis MacDermid during the second period of an NHL hockey game Friday, Oct. 25, 2024, in Newark, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)

In the first meeting of the season between the New Jersey Devils and New York Islanders, the division rivals quickly got spicy. The tight-knight tilt wasn’t short of physicality which saw tempers boil over. Following New York’s overtime victory, an Islanders defenseman called out the Devils after he targeted their superstar.

Devils Postgame: Devils Rescue Point; Fall to Islanders for Fourth Straight Loss

Devils head coach Sheldon Keefe opted for one lineup change. He inserted Kurtis MacDermid in place of Nathan Bastian on New Jersey’s fourth line.

MacDermid certainly made his presence known, laying a big open ice hit on Islanders defenseman, Alexander Romanov.

Devils forward Curtis Lazar explained, “That’s Dermy. He plays true to his identity. He’s a big, scary man and that was a beauty hit.”

According to Islanders forward Bo Horvat, “[the Devils] poked the bear.”

Kurtis MacDermid LAYS OUT Alexander Romanov and Scott Mayfield took exception 😱🥊 pic.twitter.com/uT6ikbOVtu

— Gino Hard (@GinoHard_) October 26, 2024

Romanov has always been a physical defenseman. The Russian Islanders defenseman registered a season high six hits this season against the Colorado Avalanche back on Oct. 14th.

After he took the hit from the Devils’ enforcer, Romanov aimed to match his season high in hits, targeting New Jersey’s superstar Jack Hughes in the process.

Seeking his revenge, Romanov lined up Hughes, who was carrying the puck into the Islanders’ zone, with as clean of a hit as MacDermid.

Alex Romanov trucks Jack Hughes pic.twitter.com/oBrict20GV

— Rob Taub (@RTaub_) October 26, 2024

Following the Islanders‘ overtime win, Romanov did not hesitate to explain he was looking for Hughes in his revenge.

“They hit me. I’m gonna hit them, and I’m gonna hit their best player,” Romanov explained.

Romanov ended Friday night’s contest with five hits, three blocked shots, and an assist across 30 shifts (21:51 time on ice).

Although MacDermid wasn’t penalized for the hit on Romanov, Islanders head coach Patrick Roy believed it wasn’t exactly a clean hit.

“He got hit in the head by MacDermid,” Roy explained. “But, what I appreciate about him is he kept his focus and he made a super nice play… He was a beast out there.”

The Devils ultimately lost in overtime, however, the tone is set for the following two meetings with the Islanders this season. It seems the New York Rangers aren’t the only New York team where sparks will fly against the Devils in 2024-25.

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