The game started poorly for the New Jersey Devils, but once they turned it on they dominated. After finally being able to finish off a couple of their numerous scoring chances, the Devils were able to take the Buffalo Sabres to overtime. This where Pavel Zacha propelled New Jersey to a 2-1 victory and a 3-1-0 record.
Game Summary
The first period was a disaster for New Jersey. This even more so than the first of their previous game against Washington. They allowed 23 Buffalo shot attempts, 17 scoring chances, and 13 shots on goal. Luckily, thanks to the strong play by rookie goaltender Nico Daws, the Sabres only scored one goal. It came on the power play and only 3:19 into the game.
Whatever was said in the locker room between the first and second periods worked. The Devils went on to dominate the rest of the game. The second period is when we really started to see it. Although there was no goals scored by either team, New Jersey had 25 shot attempts, 16 scoring chances, and an expected goals-for (xGF) of 1.88. The period also included three different Devils hitting the post. Additionally, there was a wild sequence where New Jersey could have scored three different times.
Now, entering the third period there was certainly some worry. The second period resembled a lot of what we saw in the beginning of last season. A ton of scoring chances and outplaying the opposition, but failing to put the puck in the back of the net. Luckily, New Jersey was finally able to break through on the power play. About six minutes into the period, Nico Hischier – who was banged up at the end of the second period – back-handed home a rebound off the end board. The rebound was created via a slap shot by Dougie Hamilton.
Overall, the third was another dominate period. New Jersey held the shot attempt advantage 23-9 and outshot Buffalo, for the second straight period, by a two-to-one margin. In all, the Devils had 48 shot attempts, 28 scoring chances, and an xGF of 2.87 over the last two periods of the game. Unfortunatley, the Devils were only able to score one goal, and headed to overtime.
The overtime period featured some back and forth action, but it was the Devils who were able to emerge victorious. It was an extremely beautiful play. Damon Severson received a pass, that appeared to be out of his reach, then made a borderline no-look pass behind him to Pavel Zacha. Zacha then sniped a laser past Dustin Tokarski.
Devil goaltender Daws, who made his first career NHL start, got a well deserved win saving almost a whole goal above expected. The final shot total in the game was 39-25 in favor of the Devils.
Games Notes
- The Damon Severson and Ty Smith pairing last year was a revelation and graded out as one of the best in the NHL. Each did not miss a step being back together. The duo led the Devils in five-on-five ice time and was by far the best pairing of the night. For context, as a pair they posted a 63.33 Corsi-for % (CF%) and an expected goals-for % (xGF%) of 73.75.
- After a poor showing in the last game, and a questionable coach’s challenge in the first period last night, head coach Lindy Ruff made a great in-game adjustment in the second and third periods. He re-organized his forward lines which in return sparked new found success leading to the terrific performance as described in the above over the last 40-minutes. The lines and their specific statistics can be found in the above tweet. It’ll be interesting if these lines stick going forward.
- Nico Daws may technically not be NHL-ready just yet, but he certainly looked impressive last night. The 20-year old, former 2020 third round selection played one AHL game this season where he posted a .926 save percentage. He was then called up and was forced into action last night thanks to a shaky showing by Scott Wedgewood on Thursday night and an injury to Jonathan Bernier. When the duo of Bernier and Mackenzie Blackwood get healthy, he will continue to develop in the AHL and hopefully turn into a starter down the road for New Jersey.
- P.K. Subban had a much-needed stellar performance last night. His 65.52 CF% and 66.59 xGF% are both very impressive numbers. He also passed the eye-test as he looked more comfortable and made much better decisions then he had been in previous nights. This solid play should not be surprising, as he is finally is playing in a third-pair role which his skill set much better suits.
The Devils will be back in action, at the Prudential Center, on Tuesday night. This against the Calgary Flames.