The New Jersey Devils (45-18-8) returned home after spending the weekend in Florida. Awaiting them was a stout Minnesota Wild team. In a tightly contested battle, where goaltending shined the brightest, Minnesota came out on the top end. Despite being outshot, Minnesota got the win.

Both teams played well and the Devils got a point out of it as well as their battle for the division continues.

Game Summary

First Period

The first period for this contest was scoreless. Though, it was packed and filled with action, but nobody could find the back of the net. New Jersey outshot Minnesota 10-9, but Minnesota would got more quality, as they had the more high-danger chances.

🗣️VITEK! VITEK! VITEK! pic.twitter.com/fkwEk5A8id

— New Jersey Devils (@NJDevils) March 22, 2023

Second Period

The second period was just like the first. No team scored, but both have had goalie chances. Minnesota had the advantage in expected goals once again, 1.04-0.84, but both goaltenders were solid. Gustavsson had 1.89 goals saved above expected through two periods. In addition, Vitek Vanecek finished with 1.87 GSAx through two periods.

TIMOOOO TIME at the Rock!! 

devs tied at 1 pic.twitter.com/s43q5xkhlU

— Devils on MSG (@DevilsMSGN) March 22, 2023

Third Period

The ice was finally broken. It was the Minnesota Wild who cashed in first. Off a shot from the point, Mason Shaw found a loose puck behind the net for the wrap-around goal.

New Jersey would answer with one of their own. After a Nico Hischier pass went behind the net, Timo Meier wrapped the puck around for the tying goal. Tied at one when the final horn sounded, both teams secured a point and headed to overtime. 

Overtime

With both teams trading tons of chances, it the Wild who won and in thrilling fashion. Matt Boldy skated in on a breakaway and beat the buzzer for the goal. This came right after Jack Hughes hit the post which shot the puck right out for the terrific chance. Minnesota secured the victory, 2-1, and the two points.

Game Notes

• Goaltending stole the show in this one. Gustavsson finished the game with 3.05 goals saved above expected (GSAx). Vanecek finished with 1.47 GSAx. A great game by both in a very tight contest. 

• The Devils’ third line was among the team’s best. When on the ice, they held the shot attempt advantage 15-4. In addition, they generated a team-high five high-danger chances. 
  
• The Devils are one of two teams to not be shutout this season.

What’s Next? 

The New Jersey Devils hit the road and take on the Buffalo Sabres Friday night at 7:00 PM ET.