The New Jersey Devils suffered defeat to the Washington Capitals. In a thrilling back-and-forth affair, the Capitals prevailed 6-5. The season series is a split and the Devils will not see the Capitals again this season.
Game Recap
First Period
The trend continued with the Devils allowing the first goal of the game. 6:19 into the period, Andrew Mangiapane fired a shot from the slot and followed up on the rebound to give the Capitals the lead. Moments later, the Devils tied the game. After picking up the puck along the boards, Luke Hughes danced his way around the zone. After a cross-ice pass took a favorable bounce, Nico Hischier sent a backhanded shot past Lindgren. Fortunately, things got tied up and remained that way into the second period.
The Devils got heavily outplayed in the first period and it was fortunate they escaped the period tied. During five-on-five play, the Devils got out attempted 20-7 and were heavily outshot 13-4. The Capitals controlled the expected goals share 1.59-0.33. Not the strongest period for the Devils, but Jake Allen was sharp to keep the team in it.
Second Period
The second period saw the Devils score the first goal and take the lead. It was the fourth line that got the job done. After winning the faceoff in the offensive zone, Brett Pesce snapped a shot from the blueline that was deflected by Justin Dowling. Moments later, the Devils generated a great scoring chance that saw Charlie Lindgren rob Timo Meier right on the doorstep. The Capitals managed to tie the game and with the man advantage.
After playing four-on-four hockey, a double minor high-sticking penalty by Dawson Mercer sent the Capitals to the power play. After seeing Johnathan Kovacevic and Nico Hischier block shots, the puck bounced back to the Capitals. Pierre-Luc Dubois found Connor McMichael in the slot to tie the game. The power play continued to dominate and the Capitals re-took the lead. Jakob Chychrun ripped a shot bar down over Jake Allen and that penalty became a difference maker. The bleeding continued with a Rasmus Sandin goal that trickled through Allen. The Devils headed to the third period down by two goals.
The Devils made a significant push in the second period and were a much better team than in the first period. They controlled the shot attempts share 18-16 and generated more scoring chances. The Devils held the edge in expected goals, but got burned on the man advantage.
Third Period
The third period was all Devils to start. They scored two goals in a span of 2:12 to tie the game. The first goal came on the power play. With good puck movement, Jack Hughes sent a pass to the front of the net where Stefan Noesen tapped it in. After forcing a turnover, Hughes fired a shot that deflected off Jesper Bratt and into the net.
However, the momentum shifted back to the Capitals and in short order. In a span of 10 seconds, the Capitals scored twice. After poking the puck free, Taylor Raddysh got good body position against Luke Hughes and redirected a Martin Fehervary shot past Allen. Seconds later, a bad turnover by Allen led to a Pierre Luc Dubois goal that extended the lead to 6-4.
A response by the Devils came and on the power play. After pulling Allen, a Hughes shot found its way towards net and Noesen battled hard to get that puck across the line.
The Devils made a late push, but it was not enough and when the horn sounded the Capitals emerged victorious 6-5.
Game Notes
- Despite playing strong this month, not the best game for Allen. He finished the game with an .813 save percentage and a -2.15 goals saved above expected. The final two goals were on him as well. He also finished with a .667 high-danger save percentage.
- Special teams were a factor, both good and bad. The Devils’ lethal penalty kill came out flat in this game. They allowed three power play goals on five opportunities. They also scored two power play goals which helped them climb into the game.
What’s Next?
The Devils travel across the bridge to take on the New York Rangers Monday night.