The New Jersey Devils fell to the Philadelphia Flyers on Tuesday night, 5-1. The loss officially eliminates New Jersey from playoff contention. They sit at 40-35-3 on the season.
Recap
First Period
New Jersey came out flat-footed to begin the period, and the Flyers immediately took advantage. An early defensive collapse led to Travis Sanheim finding Trevor Zegras who had a wide-open net to bury the puck.
Then, shortly after, Jack Hughes went to the box for a trip, and the Flyers’ power play went to work. Rookie Porter Martone came flying down the wing and found a cutting Zegras, who poked it by Markström. Zegras’ second of the game and 25th of the year made it 2-0 Flyers less than four minutes in.
The Devils were able to find a response, though. Jonas Siegenthaler’s shot got deflected in front by Cody Glass and went in over the head of Flyers goalie Dan Vladar. Glass’ career-high 18th goal of the year made it 2-1 heading into the break.
Second Period
It was another awful start to the period for the Devils as they quickly fell behind even more. A bad pinch from Simon Nemec led to a two-on-one for the Flyers. Tyson Foerster ripped one by Markström to make it 3-1. Then, a little over two minutes later, Foerster struck again, taking a beautiful cross-ice feed from Zegras and putting it by Markström. The 4-1 Flyers’ lead would hold into intermission.
Third Period
The third period was an uneventful one. The Devils generated just five shots in their comeback efforts as the Flyers stood back and played sound defense. Nick Seeler’s empty-net goal finished off a huge win for the Flyers in their playoff race while eliminating New Jersey.
Game Notes
Is Keefe Next?
With the firing of general manager Tom Fitzgerald, many Devils fans are wondering if Sheldon Keefe is next. The Devils coach said in a press conference yesterday that he will be under evaluation after the season. With how disappointing the performance on the ice has been, ownership and the new general manager may think it’s time for a change behind the bench.
Markström Struggles
It was another disappointing performance from Devils goaltender Jacob Markström Tuesday tonight. He let up four goals on 18 shots and had a goals saved above expected (GSAx) of -3.46. That brings his GSAx down to -9.4 on the year, ranking 85th among all goalies.
What’s Next
The Devils will stay at home and face off against the Pittsburgh Penguins Thursday at 7:00 pm ET.