Smith became the sixth NHL defenseman to have at least one point in his first five NHL games (one goal, five assists). The 20-year-old will look to tie the NHL record set by Marek Zidlicky (Nashville Predators, 2003-04) when the Devils play the Philadelphia Flyers here on Tuesday (7 p.m. ET; MSG+, NBCSP, NHL.TV).
"It helps to get those points to help us create offense, but at the same time I think I need to continue to improve defensively and continue to get stronger to handle these men I play against every night," Smith said.
Ilya Sorokin made 22 saves in his second start with the Islanders (3-2-0), who have yet to score for him; Sorokin made 27 saves in his NHL debut, a 5-0 loss at the New York Rangers on Jan. 16.
"We owe [Sorokin] quite a bit here and we'll make sure we get them back," Islanders captain Anders Lee said. "I know he's going to stand tall for us."
Hughes gave the Devils a 1-0 lead on a power-play goal at 17:00 of the first period when he took a pass from Smith in the left face-off circle and scored on a wrist shot that beat Sorokin over his right shoulder.
Zacha made it 2-0 when he scored his first goal of the season on a rebound in the slot at 19:00 of the first.
"It's all about experience," Sorokin said. "It's just my second game in the NHL. It's different speed, different level. I believe with work, I should be better. Goalie is a very important position in the game; you should give a chance to your teammates every game, every time. It's hard when you start every game 0-2, 0-1. We work. Just work."
The Islanders had six shots on goal but failed to score on their first power play after Devils defenseman Damon Severson took a high sticking penalty at 7:11 of the first period. They finished 0-for-2 with the man-advantage.
"We need everybody contributing through our lineup right now," New York coach Barry Trotz said. "We're not getting enough from every line. We need a little more finish. Where you break through is by getting to the net a little bit more."
Wedgewood made 10 saves in the first period and 12 in the third.
"Coming in as a team, we obviously wanted to respond after [the loss Thursday] and wanted to win the special teams battle, and that was the main reason we got the [win]," Wedgewood said. "I've got to say before I forget, it's my mom's birthday and she's probably watching, so I have to give her a Happy Birthday shoutout.
"Since I can't see you, that's your present."
NOTES: Islanders forward Anthony Beauvillier sustained an undisclosed injury in the second period. Trotz did not have an update. … New York forward Michael Dal Colle played 10:49 in his season debut after being activated off injured reserve. ... There was a video tribute in the first period for former Devils defenseman Andy Greene and goalie Cory Schneider, now with the Islanders. ... Devils forward Nick Merkley made his season debut and had three shots on goal in 11:08 of ice time.
