Match Summary
For only the fourth time this season, the New York Islanders were beaten on home ice. It was a change of pace from the New Jersey Devils last game. As there was not nearly the same amount of scoring opportunities or up-and-down type of play. This was another step in the right direction for a very young Devils’ roster that is still learning how to win. Especially when it comes to closing out games when in the lead.
First Period
Mackenzie Blackwood was on his game early in this one, which helped the Devils settle down and not let things spiral out of control. The Devils managed to break the ice with just under six-minutes remaining in the first. The Islanders were nearly able to clear the zone, but a strong keep at the blueline sent the puck around the boards and into the corner. Nico Hischier won a puck battle along the boards and was able to chip it down low to Jesper Bratt, who wheeled around and put it right on to Pavel Zacha’s stick for the quick one-timer. The goal was Zacha’s 16th of the season. It bumped his point total up to a team-leading 34 and a cemented a career-year for the now winger.
Second Period
The Islanders and Anthony Beauvillier managed to tie things up early in the second period, thanks largely to a fortunate bounce. Scott Mayfield took a cross-ice pass entering the zone and tried to setup Beauvillier streaking down the slot. At first glance it seemed like Beauvillier was able to get a stick on it to redirect it by Blackwood, but the replay actually showed the puck hit off of his skate and went just inside the far post.
The game remained tied until Michael McLeod buried a beautiful feed from Damon Severson. It went by the outstretched leg of Semyon Varlamov for the 2-1 lead. Severson helped create the entire play with a well-timed rotation after Jesper Boqvist carried the puck up high. This shifted Ryan Murray over to the left-defense position, leaving an opening at the wing down along the boards. This allowed Severson to thread a pass through the defender’s legs and right onto the stick of McLeod.
Third Period
The Devils went on the full defensive-mode for most of the third, as the Islanders pushed to try and tie the game. Things got a bit shaky at times, but with the main focus was on just clearing their own zone. This rather than trying to do too much and they were able to secure the victory.
Scoring on the empty-net still isn’t quite a strong suit for New Jersey. But, a win is a win and a much needed one for the young roster that is still learning how to close out games. Next up will be another game out on Long Island Saturday night.