Saturday, the Devils lost 4-1 against the Carolina Hurricanes. It was another frustrating one at home as the team had their two game win streak snapped. The loss drops New Jersey to 24-22-2 on the season.
Recap
Period One
The Devils controlled the first period for the most part, but Frederik Andersen stood tall. Jack Hughes had a partial break where he was stoned by the Carolina netminder late in the period. Carolina didn’t have much at the start of this game, but Jacob Markström handled what came his way. The two rivals were locked 0-0 after one.
Period Two
The second period started not too different from the first, with New Jersey controlling possession. Things seemed like they would continue to swing in the Devils favor about half-way through as the team locked down a huge penalty kill. However, just a few minutes later, Andrei Svechnikov potted not one, but two goals to get the Canes on the board and then give them some separation. That was the score after two, as the Devils found themselves with a hole to climb out of.
Period Three
The Devils were able to get one back a few minutes into the third period. Timo Meier threw one on and past Andersen on the power play to get the Devils within one. Just a couple of minutes later, the Devils took a penalty and Carolina capitalized before they even got to the power play.
Nikolaj Ehlers and Jackson Blake capitalized on a perfectly played two-on-one to put the Canes up 3-1. With four minutes to play in the game, Andrei Svechnikov put home his third of the game to ice it. Carolina took yet another one against New Jersey, this time 4-1.
Game Notes
Andersen Thrives
Frederik Andersen entered this game holding just an .863 save percentage (SV%). In a single game this season Andersen hadn’t held more than a .958 SV%. Saturday night, Andersen stopped 28-of-29 shots for a .966 SV%. Freddy stopped 1.74 goals saved above expected (GSAx) as well. Another tough offensive performance for the Devils.
Power Play Streak Broken
Timo Meier’s power play goal Saturday night broke a streak of nearly 30 consecutive penalty kills for Carolina against the Devils. One positive in a game where there wasn’t much to find.
What’s Next
The Devils next game is on the road, Monday against the Calgary Flames at 9:00 pm ET.