Game Summary
The New Jersey Devils returned to play in as good of a way as possible given the team’s long layoff. They defeated their Hudson River Rivals by a score of 5-2. The Devils played a complete game and deserved to come out on top against the banged-up New York Rangers.
First and Second Periods
The first period was terrific for the Devils. They held to shot attempts advantage 28-16 and had an Expected Goals (xGF%) share of 65.17%. However, thanks in large part to stellar play by Rangers netminder Igor Shesterkin, the period ended scoreless.
Period two is where the action picked up. The scoring got underway, courtesy of a Pavel Zacha snipe on the power play. Unfortunately, the Rangers would answer back. This scenario played out again before the period ended as Will Butcher scored from the point, after which the Rangers promptly responded.
Third Period
The Devils would outscore the Rangers 3-0 in period three. Yegor Sharangovich scored a beautiful re-direct off a point shot by P.K. Subban. Nick Merkley followed this up with a snipe over Shesterkin’s right shoulder. At this point it was 4-2, however, the Devils were not done yet. Mikhail Maltsev got in on the fun with his first career goal, being an empty netter.
Wrap-Up
Mackenzie Blackwood picked up right where he left off, making 37 saves on 39 Rangers’ shots. Igor Shesterkin, who was playing great hockey before tonight, faltered making 33 saves. Overall, the Devils held the goal share at 53.85% and out-shot attempted the Rangers 62-58 at five-on-five. Janne Kuokkanen (three assists) and Nick Merkley (goal and an assist) each had multi-point nights.
Game Notes
- It is funny how things work. After brutal play to start the season, Matt Tennyson followed it up with another stinker. Tennyson owned a Corsi For % (CF%) of 43.33 and an xGF% of 46.39. He was on the ice for both of the Devils’ goals against. His partner Connor Carrick was just as bad, as he had a bad turnover that directly led to one of those Rangers’ goals. Meanwhile, the player who has been a healthy scratch because of Matt Tennyson was great. Will Butcher scored and was on the ice for two of New Jersey’s goals.
- After a decent start, the line of Janne Kuokkanen, Pavel Zacha, and Nick Merkley turned it on. As a trio, they owned a 70.00 CF% and an xGF% of 71.11, each the highest mark of any Devils forward lines. Janne Kuokkanen in particular was sensational. He registered three assists and was a thorn in the Rangers’ side all night. He has been a pleasant surprise this year. Pavel Zacha also had his best game of the season. He totaled one goal, three shots, and three hits, along with a team-high 66.67 CF% and a terrific xGF% of 67.00.
- It is time the NHL media and fans around the league take note of how good of a goalie Mackenzie Blackwood is. He is quietly cementing himself as one of the best goaltenders in the NHL. His .948 save percentage — which was boosted by his 37-save performance last night — is second in the NHL only behind Petr Mrazek. His five-on-five save percentage is also one of the best in the NHL. With Mackenzie Blackwood in between the pipes, anything is possible for this team.
- What a game for young Russian center Mikhail Maltsev. Maltsev led the Devils with an xGF% of 79.07, and he was rewarded for it with his first career goal. Albeit an empty netter. Maltsev also held a 64.3 per cent success rate on the faceoff dot, somewhere the Devils usually struggle. Overall, a great game for the rookie.
Note, statistics courtesy of Natural Stat Trick.
Next Game: Thursday, February 18th at Boston