Match Summary
After losing a heartbreaker the day before, the New Jersey Devils showed resiliency in a nice bounce-back win against the Buffalo Sabres. The offense buzzed and the defense bent but didn’t break. Eric Comrie, in his first start as a Devil, notched the win.
Needing some momentum after loss, Michael McLeod came roaring out of the gate and scored a goal just 20 seconds in. After this excitement, the Devils held the Sabres off the board, but couldn’t find the net anymore. This until late in the period, Jack Hughes and Andreas Johnsson teamed up on a clutch goal.
In the second, the Sabres had an offensive run of their own, tying the game up 2-2. It was the Devils’ rockiest period, but they managed to salvage it. With 0.6 seconds to play, Miles Wood used his blazing speed to tuck it in for a goal. The Devils went into the locker room up 3-2.
The game was a heart-attack generator in the third with both sides getting pressure after pressure. After a goal from Rasmus Ristolainen, McLeod scored again to put the Devils up 4-3. Later on in the period, the Jack Hughes line got an insane amount of zone-time but failed to capitalize. This wouldn’t change anything, as with eight seconds to play, Wood scored an empty-netter to put it away.
Overall, the Devils had a game to be proud of. They now sit at a record of 4-3-2, good for fifth place in the East Division. The Sabres are right behind them at 4-4-2.
Keys to the Game
Miles Wood
As part of the dominant fourth line, Wood scored two goals, one of them an empty-netter, as well as one assist. This was just another game in what has turned out to be a great start for the young forward. He has eight points in ten games, far above expectations. Hopefully, he can keep this up.
The Devils’ (lack of) Special Teams
As I mentioned in the pregame, the Devils’ powerplay and penalty kill units have been underperforming this season. Sluggish would be an apt word to describe this area of play. On the powerplay, the Devils are slow and don’t develop many chances. On the penalty kill, Jersey can’t clear the puck, letting their opponents take shot after shot. This didn’t cost them the game, however, but the Devils’ poor special teams play is worrying.
Michael McLeod
Another part of the fourth line, McLeod was dominant, scoring two goals. With his first goal, he gave the Devils the momentum they needed out of the locker room. With his second, a lead the Devils would not give up. This game was the highlight of a great start for McLeod. Lindy Ruff will think twice before breaking up his line.
Up Next
The Devils take on the Pittsburgh Penguins, Tuesday, February 2nd at 7:00 PM ET.