The New Jersey Devils ended their five game losing streak Tuesday night in Ottawa as they defeated the Senators 4-3. Jacob Markström made 35 saves, and the third line produced eight points on the way to a Devils win.
Recap
First Period
The Devils had a less-than-ideal start to this critical game. Stefan Noesen got penalized just 36 seconds in, and the Senators soon capitalized on New Jersey’s struggling penalty kill. The Devils failed to clear and a loose puck was left in front. Drake Batherson cleaned up the garbage and before the Devils could even get settled it was 1-0 Senators.
The Devils didn’t let the disappointing start falter them, though. Even after failing to score on a power play, they kept on pushing at even strength. Finally, their chance came. Connor Brown made a nice move through the neutral zone and set up Simon Nemec with a one-time blast. The Devils’ defenseman made no mistake, beating Senators goalie Linus Ullmark, and tied the game for New Jersey.
The Devils soon caught a huge break when Drake Batherson thought he had scored his second of the game. However, the officials and replay ruled a kicking motion, and the game remained tied. The Senators made up for this soon after, however, as their power play went back to work. Another failed opportunity to clear set up Tim Stützle right in front of the net. The former third-overall pick beat Markström five-hole and put Ottawa back in front.
New Jersey bounced back, though. Another great play from Connor Brown sent the puck toward goal, and Arseny Gritsyuk buried the loose puck. The rookie’s seventh goal of the season tied the game heading into the second.
Second Period
The Devils came out hot to begin the middle frame and finally converted on a four-on-four. Paul Cotter made a nice play in the neutral zone and set himself up on a breakaway. The skillful fourth-liner made a nice move to the backhand and slipped one through the five-hole of Ullmark. Cotter’s goal gave the Devils their first lead in over a week.
The Devils looked like they had all the momentum, but it was all shifted by a controversial call from the officials. Nico Hischier was sent to the box, and the Senators’ power play struck again. Dillon couldn’t clear, and Drake Batherson buried a centering feed from Dylan Cozens. The Senators’ third power-play goal of the night, and Batherson’s second, tied the game at three.
Jacob Markström took a beating the remainder of the period but fought through the Senators’ momentum and uncalled penalties to keep the game tied. The Devils went into the final period tied and outshooting Ottawa 23-20.
Third Period
The Devils played well to begin the final period, but so did the Senators. It was clear either team could break the tie at any point. Fortunately, for New Jersey, and their losing streak, they were able to strike first. Brown forced a turnover behind the goal and Gritsyuk made a perfect cross-ice pass to the open Cody Glass. He buried it by Ullmark, and the Devils were back in front.
The Senators pushed hard in the final five minutes, but Jacob Markström put on a masterclass, making spectacular saves with the goalie pulled for Ottawa. Eventually, the clock struck zero, putting an end to this dreadful five-game losing streak for New Jersey.
Game Notes
Bottom Six
Throughout this five-game losing skid, the bottom-six failed to produce a single goal. That all changed in a big way in Ottawa. The bottom-six was responsible for all four of the Devils’ goals and won the Devils this game without a single point from Hischier, Bratt, or Meier.
The third line in particular really stood out. Gritsyuk, Brown, and Glass were on the ice for three of the four Devils’ goals and had a combined two goals and six assists. Brown and Gritsyuk both had three-point nights, while Cody Glass recorded his first multi-point game this season. The Devils needed production from their bottom six to end the losing streak, and that is exactly what they got.
Special Teams
The Devils’ special teams have become very concerning over the past week. Though they still rank eighth in power-play percentage (23.3%) and 16th in penalty kill (81%), the recent production has been far from good. This win, in particular, might have been their worst special teams performance all season.
The Devils went 0-for-6 in special teams opportunities, going 0-for-3 on both the power play and penalty kill. At even strength, the Devils outscored the Senators 4-0, but the play of special teams tonight gave Ottawa a shot. While it didn’t end up hurting the result this time, another performance like this could very likely cause a loss.
What’s Next?
The Devils are back home Thursday night taking on the Tampa Bay Lightning.