Game Summary
The New Jersey Devils did just as expected last night as they won their preseason game home against Boston in overtime by a score of 4-3 and lost the game in Montreal by a score of 4-2.
Boston @ New Jersey
The Devils were able to eke out a 4-3 overtime win in their home game versus Boston. The game was surprisingly a lot closer than many anticipated, given the fact that Boston had a few if any regular players participating. After a scoreless first period, rookie Jack Hughes was able to tie the game at one on the power play (goal shown below).
The third period featured four goals. Jesper Bratt scored a goal assisted by Travis Zajac and Sami Vatanen (his second assist of the game) just 30 seconds into the period. The Bruins answered shortly afterwards and tied the game at two. The Devils tallied another power play goal courtesy of a one-timer from Connor Carrick. However, the Bruins were able to tie the game with just under a minute left in regulation.
Luckily, Jack Hughes scored the overtime winner just seconds into the period. Nikita Gusev made a wonderful pass, and Hughes was able to net his second goal of the night. The final shot total was 33-30 in favor of Boston. Cory Schneider played the first two periods making 17 saves on 18 shots. Gilles Senn replaced Schneider and made 13 stops on 15 shots.
New Jersey @ Montreal
The result of the Devils’ away game wasn’t as good as the home game as they fell to the Canadiens 4-2. As mentioned above, the Devils did not send a lineup with much depth north of the border.
The Canadiens struck first with a pair of first period goals. However, Will Butcher tallied a power play goal, courtesy of a wicked wrist show that beat Carey Price, Michael McLeod made a beautiful pass to spring Butcher on the play.
The Devils were able to tie the game thanks to a bizarre bounce off the end boards that fell right to Michael McLeod which he buried home. Unfortunately, Montreal tallied the eventual game-winner courtesy of a short-handed goal. The Canadiens also tacked an empty-netter to ice the game 4-2. Goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood played the first two periods and allowed two goals, while Evan Cormier came in relief the third period and allowed one.
Next Game: September 18th, @ N.Y. Rangers
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