Game Summary
The New Jersey Devils had an abysmal start to the team’s first game in 10-plus months. Although they were able to rebound thanks to the terrific effort from Mackenzie Blackwood, New Jersey ultimately fell to the Boston Bruins in a shootout 3-2.
The first period was dominated by the Boston Bruins. The Devils looked exactly like a team that has not played in 10-plus months. They were outshot-attempted 20-7 at all strengths in the opening frame. The Bruins fortunately only scored one goal, which came on the power play. Mackenzie Blackwood was forced to make 15-saves in that period, as the Devils were only able to muster four shots.
The second period was a vast improvement for the Devils. They outshot-attempted Boston 17-13 at even strength, but unfortunately did not get on the scoresheet. Besides the overtime period, this was the Devils’ strongest showing of the game.
The third period was pretty even, but the Devils managed to outscore Boston 2-1. Miles Wood opened the scoring with a beautiful breakaway, bar-down shot. The Bruins, however, answered on another cross-crease power play goal. Devils’ rookie Ty Smith answered back just 30 seconds later with a shot from the point that deflected in off two Boston players.
The game would go to an exciting overtime period, which the Devils controlled. Jack Hughes was electric and part of two glorious opportunities. The second came moments before the final horn sounded, during which Travis Zajac whiffed on a rebound next to a wide-open net. In the shootout, the Devils missed all three of their attempts. Brad Marchand scored the game-winner.
Mackenzie Blackwood suffered the loss but was terrific as he saved 35 of 37 shots. He was the sole reason why New Jersey was not behind by more after the first period. Tukka Rask made 20 saves on 22 shots for the win. Jack Hughes tallied two assists, three shots on goal, and a plus-two rating in 21:05 of ice time (most of any forward in the game).
Game Notes
- The Matt Tennyson experiment needs to end. After two periods, Tennyson had a shot attempt ratio of +1/-12 which is good for a Corsi For % (CF%) of 7.69. He ended the night with a +4/-16 ratio which was the worst on the team. His Expected Goals For (xGF%) of 26.20 was the worst of any Devils’ defenseman. Will Butcher needs to be back in the lineup in favor of Tennyson on Saturday. Tennyson did play the least of any defenseman at 10:07, which makes his dreadful 16 shot attempts against even more embarrassing. Hopefully that is a sign he will be out of the lineup come Saturday.
- Ty Smith scored his first career NHL goal to knot the game in the final period. It was a wacky one, but the 20-year-old will always remember it. Unfortunately for Smith, he was paired with Matt Tennyson. While he was paired with Tennyson, Smith posted a miserable 17.65 CF% and an awful xGF% of 30.20. However, when Smith was paired with Damon Severson—as was the case for much of training camp—Smith posted a CF% of 66.67 and an xGF% of 87.14. Lindy Ruff should re-unite this duo come Saturday.
- It was a wild ride for the “Miles Wood experience” tonight. He scored the Devils’ first goal of the season off a beautiful bar-down shot on a breakaway. However, both his clumsy and reckless goaltender interference penalties resulted in Bruin power play goals. Overall, besides the two ugly and costly penalties, Miles Wood has a stellar night. His xGF% of 73.33 led all Devils’ players and his CF% number was also respectable. The third line of Wood, Travis Zajac, and Jesper Boqvist was the Devils’ best as they contributed an xGF% of 64.99 as a trio.
- Jesper Boqvist, who was a part of the aforementioned third line, was great. His xGF% was third on the Devils, only behind his two line mates. Boqvist, from the eye-test, also looked a lot more comfortable on the ice. He had a terrific break-up just minutes into the game at center ice that led to the Devils’ first shot on goal. Boqvist needs to build on this performance, and he will quickly shoot down any questions that may have arisen after his dreadful performance last season.
- Jack Hughes was electric. He led all forwards in the game with a total time of ice of 21:05. Hughes also, as mentioned above, totaled two assists along with three shots on goal. He was terrific in the overtime period. His xGF% was 59.11, which was third among Devils players—also much higher than either of his line mates—which is worth noting since, from an analytical standpoint, each struggled. Hughes’ speed is quite a spectacle and a breakout season may be unfolding before our very eyes.
Note, Statistics courtesy of NaturalStatTrick.com and Evolving-Hockey.com.
Next Game: Saturday, January 16th vs. Boston