Match Summary
This game easily was one of the most complete performances the New Jersey Devils have had from start to finish. All too often has it been customary for the Devils to start the game flat or have some major lull in their play. But, tonight was a clinic on taking the play to a struggling team all night long. The Philadelphia Flyers did attempt a bit of a push during the third period. However, MacKenzie Blackwood made the saves when they needed to be made. New Jersey also, for the most part, kept their composure and made smart plays with the puck exiting the zone.
First Period
There may not have been any scoring in the first, but the precedent was set during these first twenty minutes. The Devils were going to make it a tough night for Carter Hart. After posting only seven shots a period Monday against Ottawa, New Jersey came out and had 11 shots on goal. Hart seemed to be dialed in early and the potential for a goalie duel certainly seemed like a potential outcome in this one.
The most dangerous moment of the period was a James Van Riemsdyk boarding on Michael McLeod, who went head first into the boards right by the benches. In what easily could have been a five minute penalty, Van Riemsdyk only ended up with a two minute minor and the Devils weren’t able to capitalize.
Second Period
Jesper Bratt continues his red-hot play and opened the scoring with a beautiful wrist-shot short-side that beat Hart high glove-side. Bratt made a strong move down the boards to enter the zone and sent a pass cross ice to Nico Hischier who fired a pass right back to Bratt. Finding himself with time, Bratt picked his spot and made no mistake.
Dawson Mercer would add to the scoring with just thirty seconds left on a powerplay to give New Jersey a 2-0 lead. With the puck at the top of the zone, Ty Smith saw a lane and put a wrist-shot toward the net. The shot looked to be going wide before Mercer extended his stick and tipped the puck back on net. It beat Hart low glove-side. A great screen and even more impressive tip to get Mercer back in the goal column.
Pavel Zacha did poke-check a loose puck top shelf that seemed to give New Jersey a 3-0 lead late in the period. However, the play was challenged and quickly determined to be offsides. This brought the score back to 2-0 after the second period.
Third Period
The third period played out much like the first, with the Devils not allowing the Flyers any time and space to gain any form of momentum. Philadelphia would eventually end up pulling Hart for the extra attacker and were able to gain some offensive zone time. But, once again, New Jersey held off the push and put the final nail in the coffin. This via a Michael McLeod empty netter to seal it at 3-0.
Jack Hughes easily could have taken it for himself, but he fed the puck to McLeod which allowed him to get his first goal on the season. Safe to say McLeod was very grateful for the unselfish play by Hughes. With the shutout, Blackwood continues his dominance over the Flyers and still has never lost a game in regulation against them.
Key to the Game:
Great Ice Time Allocation
Something that has been questioned at times has been the usage of certain players. This mostly at the expense of the team’s more skilled forwards. That certainly wasn’t the case tonight. As it isn’t surprising that this led to one of the teams most complete performances of the season. Certainly a trend that can be built off of moving forward.
Up Next
The Devils will look to build on this performance Friday night at home against the Nashville Predators (14-10-1).