The New Jersey Devils picked up where they left off on Tuesday night. The Devils defeated the defending Stanley Cup champions for the second time in a row and outscored them 10-3 between the two games. It was a tremendous effort and a complete game in what was a 6-2 victory Thursday.

Game Recap

First Period

The period was back and forth and saw both teams light the lamp. For the second game in a row, the Devils scored first. A Luke Hughes shot caused a rebound that Stefan Nosen pounced on to open the scoring.

Former Devil Jesper Boqvist tied the game two minutes later, but it was the Devils beating the buzzer that made for a thrilling period. On the power play, Jesper Bratt displayed great patience and fired a shot past Sergei Bobrovsky to take a 2-1 lead.

The Devils played a strong period. The shot attempts were close during five-on-five play (19-16 Devils), but it was the Devils who generated more quality looks. The Devils held the edge in expected goals (0.89-0.35) and held the edge in scoring chances 10-6. 

Second Period

This was a back-and-forth period between the two teams. The Devils lead was erased after a perfectly placed shot by Sam Reinhart found its way past Allen. It was the Devils the rest of the way and they took command of the period and regained the lead.

Both goals came on the power play. After winning a puck battle in the corner, Jack Hughes came away with the puck and fed a pass across the crease that deflected off a defenseman to make it 3-2. For the second time in the game, the Devils hit a buzzer beater. After good puck movement, Noesen ripped a shot to make it 4-2.

The Devils special teams play went to work and capitalized when they got the chance. Meanwhile, at five on five , it was low event, with the expected goals share being 0.69-0.66 in favor of Florida. Both teams did their job defensively at even strength.

Third Period

Much like the first period, the Devils scored the first goal of the period. Just under four minutes in, Bratt had a shot trickle past Bobrovsky to extend the lead. Bratt would also score an empty net goal and complete the hat trick. The horn sounded and with the Devils winning 6-2. 

Game Notes 

• Bratt was more than just his hat trick. He impacted the game in a big way. With him on the ice, the Devils out attempted the Panthers 13-7; good for a 65.00 Corsi-for percentage (CF%). Also, Bratt finished with an expected goals for percentage of 60.00%. 

• Special teams were a massive factor for the Devils. Their eighth-ranked penalty kill proved to be lethal, killing all five penalties. Also, the Devils went 3-for-5 with the man advantage. 

What’s Next? 

The Devils wrap up their road trip Saturday night against the Tampa Bay Lightning.