Game Recap
After jumping out to an early 2-0 lead, the New Jersey Devils were unable to hold the lead and ultimately fell 3-2 in overtime. The game got off to a pretty slow start, with only four shots total being registered in the first ten minutes, but things started opening up a bit more in the second half of the first period.
Travis Zajac got the scoring started just over 11 minutes into the first when he buried a loose puck that squeaked through Jones and was sitting in the crease. Four minutes later Gusev would continue his hot play when he was able to slide a shot five-hole and give the Devils the 2-0 lead, which would last until early in the second period.
Mario Ferraro got the Sharks on the board just over two minutes into the second with a wrister from the point that snuck through traffic in front and beat Schneider blocker side. San Jose would tie the game up with four minutes remaining in the second on a shorthanded goal from Marcus Sorensen. After a missed pass in the offensive zone, San Jose came down with a two-on-one situation, where Kellman was able to slide a pass over Severson to the open Sorensen, who buried the puck in the empty net.
The score would remain tied through the rest of the third period and took us to some overtime hockey. Couture would end the game and the Sharks losing streak just 38 seconds into overtime. The Sharks were cycling the puck rather well when Couture took a wrist shot from the slot that gets stopped by Schneider, but Kane is able to control a puck with both Severson and Palmieri on him, which left Couture wide open on the far post for the game-winner.
Takeaways
What seemed to be a promising start was once again taken away by the inability to hold onto the lead and defensive breakdowns. The win streak came to a close for New Jersey, but they were able to keep the point streak alive, and Gusev extended his point streak to four games now (2 G, 5 A). Gusev truly has been one of the bright spot additions from this off-season, and having 40 points in 60 games, while being given limited ice time early in the season, is very impressive.
Schneider had a decent game, posting a .900 save percentage, and getting left out to dry by the defense. The first goal is one he would probably like to have back, but the shorthanded goal and overtime goal both left a player all alone in front, not giving Schneider much of a chance.
Consistency remains one of this team’s largest issues, and the rest of this west coast stretch will be a good test for their ability to get back on track. Up next is a game Saturday against the Los Angeles Kings, followed by a Sunday night matchup with Anaheim. Check out all the highlights from the game below!