Introduction
Last night, the New Jersey Devils beat the Philadelphia Flyers 5-2. The win puts the Devils just two points out of the last wild card spot with two games in hand on the Pittsburgh Penguins. Andreas Johnsson collected his second career four point game, let’s check out what else happened.
Recap
First Period
The first period started off with a lot of pressure from the Devils. Dougie Hamilton hit the post, but shortly after redirected a pass from Johnsson in the high slot to give New Jersey the lead. The Devils controlled a majority of the play at five-on-five in the period, and even drew a penalty. Unfortunately, it was the Flyers who scored on it. Scott Laughton pulled off a nice move on Mackenzie Blackwood to even the game. The final minute past with not much action, so it was 1-1 after one.
Second Period
The second period was a dominant one from the Devils that saw them score the lone goal. That came early in the period, as Johnsson roofed a great pass from Jesper Bratt to give New Jersey the lead back. This was also just after Johnsson missed two great chances on a breakaway. Dawson Mercer put the puck through the crease with an empty net and Hamilton got a few great chances that wouldn’t go. After a good period by the Devils, but a better one by Martin Jones, the Devils headed to the locker room with only a one goal lead.
Third Period
The third started off with a Devils’ power play where they got some really good chances including a crossbar by Pavel Zacha. Shortly after the man advantage expired, the Flyers applied some zone pressure. During this the Devils had the puck and it looked like they were going to get it out. However, a pass went off of an officials skate and right to a couple Flyers in front including Joel Farabee who scored. That tied the game just a couple minutes into the period.
There wasn’t another goal until the Devils scored two in a short stretch. First, it was Johnsson slipping a pass to Jesper Bratt on a two-on-one, Bratt buried his fifth of the season. Just after that, Michael McLeod centered a pass that came to Dougie Hamilton. He was able to send the puck back across to Nathan Bastian who had a yawning net. He potted it to make it 4-2. Johnsson then scored a 150-foot empty netter to cap off his four point evening and the game.
Notes
- After tonight’s game, it is most likely safe to say that Mackenzie Blackwood is not only having a bit of a bounce back, but one that might be going under the radar. He now holds a 4-1-2 record with a .922 save percentage and has saved 3.55 goals above expected.
- Andreas Johnsson just had possibly the best overall night of any NHL player this season. His “Game Score” last night was 6.89, which has been the highest of any NHL player this season. His, Hamilton’s, and Bratt’s performances from last night are also the three best of the season by any Devil. Overall, a very impressive night for a lot of players. And man, that trade for Johnsson is looking better and better every day.
All statistics are via hockeystatcards and moneypuck.