Friday, the New Jersey Devils lost, 2-1, against the Washington Capitals. Jake Allen and Logan Thompson were both fantastic, only allowing one goal each. The loss drops New Jersey to 35-32-2 on the season.
Recap
Period One
The Devils started out on the front foot in this game, but failed to get on the board. On Washington’s first extended shift of the game, which started with a New Jersey failed clearance off of an officials’ skate, they scored. Ryan Leonard wired home a wrist shot to make it 1-0 Capitals. Washington would control the majority of play in the remainder of the first, but couldn’t beat Allen a second time. The score remained 1-0 after one.
Period Two
The second period had more struggle from the Devils, as they had to rely on Jake Allen to bail them out once again. However, as the period was winding down, they gained some life. Arseny Gritsyuk was hooked on a breakaway leading to a strong Devils power play where they failed to capitalize. Dougie Hamilton hit the post on a rocket from the point, which was the best of New Jersey’s chances. The Capitals stayed up 1-0 after two.
Period Three
The Devils had a strong push the first half of the second period, but failed to beat Logan Thompson on a handful of chances. As time passed though, Jake Allen had to make multiple great stops, including one in tight on Brendan Duhaime off a great feed from Jakob Chychrun.
With just under two minutes to play, Aleksei Protas scored into the empty net to put the Capitals up 2-0. Not a minute later, Jesper Bratt drew the Devils back within one with a wicked wrist shot far-side on Thompson. However, it was too little, too late. The Capitals snapped the Devils three game winning streak and took the game 2-1.
Game Notes
Allen Has No Help
Outside of the Devils 6-4 win with Allen in net last Saturday, the Devils hadn’t scored more than three goals in a game when he started since December 13. That game was a 4-1 win over the Anaheim Ducks. It’s been a rough stretch for a good goalie.
Overall Allen was fantastic on Friday night, saving 2.39 goals above expected.
Logan Thompson Domination
While Jake Allen was terrific, Thompson was even better. He added 2.9 goals saved above expected (GSAx) to his league leading total of over 30. Thompson is surely going to be a Vezina trophy finalist for the first time in his career at season’s end.
What’s Next
The Devils road trip continues Tuesday against the Dallas Stars at 8:00 pm ET.