Sunday night, the New Jersey Devils were defeated by the San Jose Sharks at home 1-0 to fall to 10-6-2 on the season. A first period goal would be the deciding factor for the Devils had their three-game winning streak snapped.
Recap
Period One
The Devils came out with the early jump against the Sharks, putting a multitude of shots on the board, however, former Devil Mackenzie Blackwood came up big for the Sharks. Eventually, it would be Nico Sturm who opened the scoring by putting a puck off Timo Meier’s skate and in the net. San Jose would lead 1-0 after one.
Period Two
The second period wasn’t any better for the Devils, as they got off to a very poor start. A penalty kill about half way through the period though would put some life back in the team as they had a dominant shift that would fail to result in a goal.
Later in the period, former Devil, Fabian Zetterlund, thought he had a goal to make it 2-0, but it would later be called off for goaltender interference. San Jose would maintain their 1-0 lead through two periods.
Period Three
The third period was a dominant one for the Devils as they threw everything they had at the Sharks. Their play would finally result in a power play late in the third period. On the power play, the Devils would pull the goalie where they got shot after shot against Mackenzie Blackwood.
After putting up quite the fight the six players on the ice were clearly gassed. However, they kept fighting until the final minute to no avail. The Sharks and Blackwood would hold on and win 1-0.
Game Notes
Blackwood Revenge Game
This felt like it was coming for a while. Last season, in his first away from New Jersey, the Devils had one shot at Blackwood. He made 13 saves on 13 shots in just under a period before being pulled with an injury. His chance to finally get revenge on his former team came last night and he took full advantage.
Blackwood stopped all 44 shots that came his way in tune to 4.12 goals saved above expected (GSAx). In total, Blackwood is a perfect 57-for-57 against the Devils in his career.
Tough Trip Ahead
Losing last night’s game stings even more when you look at what’s ahead for the Devils. They have back-to-back dates with the defending Stanley Cup champions in Sunrise, Florida on Tuesday and Thursday. That is followed by a game against the Lightning on Saturday. The Devils fell 8-5 at home to Tampa just a few weeks ago, but the Bolts have fallen off since with an overall record of 7-6-1. The Panthers on the other hand are cruising with an 11-3-1 record.
That road trip is followed up by a four-day break before facing the Carolina Hurricanes at home and then the Washington Capitals on the road. The Canes are 10-3-0 and the Capitals are 10-4-0, both with wins against the Devils already this season.
It’s a tough stretch coming up for New Jersey, one that will show if this team can compete with the best of the best.
Next Up
The Devils travel to Sunrise, Florida to take on the Florida Panther on Tuesday. Puck drop is slated for 7:30 pm ET.