The New Jersey Devils (5-3-0) shutout the Colorado Avalanche (4-3-1) 1-0 last night, picking up their second-straight win in the process. Vitek Vanecek made 24 saves for his seventh career shutout and Jack Hughes scored the lone goal. The win was the first shutout of the season for the Devils who have now won five of six.
Game Summary
First Period
It was a rather slow start in this one, with neither team generating much offense early. Colorado went to the power play just three minutes in, but could not cash in. The Avalanche, converting on 50% of their power plays this year, mustered just one shot. Midway through the frame, Pavel Francouz made a nice save on Nico Hischier in close after a takeaway.
Down on the other end, Vitek Vanecek made his best save of the period on J.T. Compher after a poor turnover from Tomas Tatar. Late in the period, Miles Wood put the puck in the net off a feed from Michael McLeod, but it was called back for offsides after a Colorado challenge.
Both teams went to the power play once in the back half of the period, but neither could convert. After one, it was 0-0 with the Devils commanding a 63.96 expected goals-for percentage (xGF%) at five-on-five.
Second Period
The Avalanche began to assert more control in the second period. The Devils comfortably killed off 40 seconds of carry-over penalty time. Shortly after, the Devils created little on a powerplay of their own. Miles Wood ended up taking an offensive-zone penalty, and Colorado had their best chances of the evening. Vitek Vanecek made some impressive saves, but John Marino made the best of the bunch, blocking a sure goal from Evan Rodrigues.
As the power play expired, the Devils sprung Wood right from the box, but he was unable to convert. Colorado had another man-advantage after Yegor Sharangovich was called for a hook behind the Avalanche net. However, the Devils once again killed it off.
In all situations, Colorado had a 55.47% xGF% thanks to several more power play chances, but the Devils once again controlled five-on-five with a 61.96% xGF%.
Third Period
All the offense in this one was found in the final frame. New Jersey had an early power play after Bowen Byram cross-checked Jesper Bratt. This time, the Devils did take advantage with Jack Hughes wristing one past Francouz thanks to a fantastic screen from Nathan Bastian. Hughes’ third of the year gave the Devils a 1-0 lead with Bratt and Hamilton picking up assists.
Moments later, Colorado had another power play courtesy of a Damon Severson slash, but again, New Jersey’s penalty kill rose to the occasion, killing off a fifth penalty. Colorado continued to pile on pressure, but their best chance came when Cale Makar sprung Evan Rodrigues on a breakaway, but Vanecek kicked out his right pad to snuff out the chance.
From there, it was relatively comfortable for the Devils until Tomas Tatar gave the Avalanche a sixth power play with a minute to go. Yet again, however, New Jersey shut the door, preserving the 1-0 victory over the defending champions.
Colorado had a 57.76 xGF% at five-on-five and a 62.95 xGF% in all situations in the third period. It was a rare period where the Devils had the second-best of the play, but they still managed to find the only goal.
Wrap Up
Vitek Vanecek was the star of this one. He made 24 saves and stopped 2.5 goals above expected in all situations to earn the victory. Pavel Francouz was the hard-luck loser for Colorado. He made 22 saves and stopped 0.98 goals above expected.
Jack Hughes got the lone goal, making it two straight games with a goal for him. Jesper Bratt extended his season-opening point streak to eight games with his assist.
Game Notes
Vitek Vanecek
As stated numerous times above, Vitek Vanecek was outstanding tonight. His 2.5 goals saved above expected was the highest from a Devils goaltender this season, and he looked relatively comfortable in doing so. It was also a far cry from his horrific debut against Detroit two weeks ago. In that 5-2 loss, Vanecek allowed 2.97 goals above expected.
Devils’ Special Teams
The Devils’ elite penalty kill was the difference tonight. Colorado entered the night converting on 50% of their power plays, easily the top mark in the NHL. However, the Devils penalty kill went a perfect six-for-six, dropping the Avalanche power play to (a still very impressive) 38%.
Taking six penalties is cause for concern, but New Jersey was able to more than make up for their mistakes. Vitek Vanecek was a big part of that as well, saving 0.98 goals above expected while on the kill. The New Jersey penalty kill entered the night at 90.5%, the fifth-best mark in the league. With tonight’s performance, it improved to 92.6%.
Meanwhile, the Devils’ power play netted the only goal of the game. In games against the elite teams in the NHL, special teams can make all the difference, and the Devils decisively won that battle tonight.
Nico Hischier
Nico Hischer had a phenomenal, all-around hockey game last night. The New Jersey captain had the second-highest CF% on the team at five-on-five at 73.68%. He also logged nearly five minutes on an impressive penalty kill unit and was on the ice for Hughes’ power play goal.
Underratedly, Hischier was also north of 90% on faceoffs last night (16-of-17). While faceoffs are admittedly not a particularly important statistic at times, Hischier won some very timely ones.
One faceoff that immediately sticks out was at the start of the penalty kill with a minute to go. Hischier won the draw clean, allowing the Devils to clear the zone and roughly 15 seconds of the kill.
What’s Next
The Devils wrap up their brief, two-game homestand Sunday, October 30 against the Columbus Blue Jackets at 2 p.m. ET.
Note: All stats via Natural Stat Trick