Match Summary
Remember all that momentum and happiness New Jersey Devils’ fans were feeling pre-game yesterday? Well, the San Jose Sharks came to town and quickly crushed that. Coming off the news of Jack Hughes’ return and his new contract, the Devils went into their matchup with the Sharks fired up and ready to build on their win against Philadelphia last Sunday. However, they rolled over to the Sharks and let four unanswered goals cross the goal line. They struggled, in particular, to recover from a catastrophic second period. It was a disastrous night for New Jersey and one they’ll hope to forget quickly.
First Period
Overall, the Devils played well enough in period one, out-chancing the Sharks by 14 shots to 10. They got plenty of pressure in San Jose’s zone, but couldn’t get one past goaltender James Reimer, who had an admirable night. Despite this, Noah Gregor drew first blood for the Sharks, scoring a somewhat cheap goal that may have been redirected in front of Blackwood. New Jersey continued to pressure the Sharks but went into the first intermission down 1-0.
Second Period
It seems the Devils are in the midst of a worrying trend: they constantly blow games on a few goals scored in quick succession (usually in the second period). Last night was an example of this, as the Sharks scored three goals on three probably preventable opportunities. The goals came as follows: one from Jake Middleton on a routine chance, one from Timo Meier on a terrible play by Ty Smith, and another from Erik Karlson on a bad defensive play. Clearly demoralized, the Devils lost their mojo in the offensive zone, being out-shot attempted 33-12. Tails between their legs, the Devils went into the locker room down by four goals.
Third Period
The final frame wasn’t as horrific for Jersey. In fact, they showed some semblance of life by scoring two goals. They came from an up-close tap from Tomas Tatar and a quick wrister by Jesper Bratt respectively. In addition, the Devils had strong possession metrics in the third period, notching a 73.53 Corsi-for percentage (CF%) and a 57.61 expected-goal percentage (xG%). Later, however, Timo Meier scored his second goal of the night, an empty-netter, to seal the Devils’ fate.
Results
It is an understatement to say that it was a night to forget at the Prudential Center. Although New Jersey stayed afloat in the absence of Hughes for weeks, the Devils have often been extremely frustrating to watch. Last night was no different as the Devils lost yet another contest.
New Jersey lost more ground in the Metropolitan Division, failing to a record of 9-7-4. The Sharks, on the other hand, gained ground in the Pacific Division, improving to a record of 12-9-1.
Keys to the Game
Hughes on the Hischier Line?
After announcing Hughes’ official return to the lineup, head coach Lindy Ruff made it clear that Jack Hughes would play wing on a line with Nico Hischier and Yegor Sharangovich. He had good intentions, it would probably have been ill-advised to have Hughes battling in the face-off circle coming off a dislocated shoulder. However, the execution was horrendous.
It resulted in a CF% of 40.00 and an xGF% of just 27.90 for Hughes. Needless to say, it would probably be wise to let Hughes play center in the next game. Line construction has been a consistent issue this year for head coach Lindy Ruff, and fans are growing impatient with his chemistry-ruining schemes.
A Bad Night For Blackwood
MacKenzie Blackwood has been a bit inconsistent this year, and last night exemplified this. Why have the Devils fallen into the trend of having disastrous stretches that ruin games? Well, Blackwood may have something to do with that.
Last night, Blackwood made some incredible stops, but, as mentioned above, let in some easy chances in quick succession to doom the Devils’ hopes. Additionally, the Devils had a 2.1 expected-goals-against (xGA), but Blackwood let in four, a disappointing statistic. Overall, it was not the best night for the young netminder.
Up Next
The Devils will face off against the Minnesota Wild tomorrow at 8:00 PM ET at the Excel Center.