All good things come to an end. When it comes to regulation losses, they haven’t occurred often to begin the new year. The New Jersey Devils (35-14-5) suffered defeat against the St. Louis Blues.
In a game the Devils trailed one in the third period, the Blues defeated them 4-2. New Jersey now has a record of 2-1-1 without their superstar center Jack Hughes. Though, they should be getting him back shortly.
Game Summary
First Period
The start to this game had great pace and action. Each goaltender stood tall and made plenty of key saves. However, both teams managed to find the back of the net. The Blues would strike first. A Ryan O’Reilly shot got blocked and the rebound it’s way to Pavel Buchnevich.
New Jersey would respond. A minute later, Dawson Mercer roofed a shot past Jordan Binnington. The score would remain tied and New Jersey would outshoot the Blues 16-13.
Second Period
The second period saw a flurry of goals. After poor play by the fourth line in their own zone, then a turnover by Damon Severson, Alexey Toropchenko found a loose puck in front that gave the Blues the lead. Over a minute later, the lead would get extended. After winning the puck battle down low, Jordan Kyrou sniped a shot from the slot to extend the lead.
Not long after that, the Devils would respond. After winning a puck battle of his own, Fabian Zetterlund would set up Erik Haula for the goal. It would be scoreless the rest of the way and the Devils would be trailing 3-2 after two periods.
Third Period
The third period was all Blues. They also went on to score the only goal of the period. Miles Wood took a boneheaded penalty which lead to a Blues’ power play goal. The horn sound sound and the Blues secured the victory 4-2.
Game Notes
- Milestone alert for Yegor Sharangovich. His assist on the Haula goal was his 100th career point.
- Despite the loss, the Devils held the possession advantage at five-on-five. They finished with a 52.14 Corsi-for percentage and an expected goals-for percentage of 53.12.
- Jordan Binnington ourdueled Mackenzie Blackwood. Binnington finished with a .944 save percentage and a 2.48 goals saved above expected.
What’s Next?
The New Jersey Devils continue their road trip against the Pittsburgh Penguins Saturday night at 5:30 P.M. ET.