Last night the New Jersey Devils won in exciting comeback fashion in Dallas against the Stars. The team will finish the month of January with an excellent 9-2-2 record, the second best in a single month all season. The Devils now have a 7-3 record in extra time after going 4-1 in the five most recent extra sessions.
Recap
Period One
The Devils and Stars played each other tight early on until an unlucky bounce opened the scoring for Dallas. Ty Dellandrea threw a puck towards the crease from behind the goal line which deflected off a falling Erik Haula and in.
Shortly after, Miles Wood was called for a trip in which the Devils would kill off. Haula and Graves took back-to-back penalties in quick succession mere seconds after.
Roope Hintz would score during the ensuing five-on-three extending the Stars lead to 2-0. That would be the score heading into period two, so the Devils had their work cut out for them.
Period Two
After some early press on both sides it was the Devils who broke the ice in period two. Jack Hughes finishing off a Dougie Hamilton stretch pass to cut the Stars lead to one.
Just minutes later, Miles Wood would snap his agonizing goal drought to tie the game at two. A few highlight reel saves from Vitek Vanecek kept the score at two heading into the third period.
Period Three
While there were no goals scored in the third frame, there was certainly a lot of action. Both Vitek Vanecek and Jake Oettinger had to be sharp until the final minute, making big save after big save to keep their team’s locked up at two.
Overtime
After an excellent faceoff win by Erik Haula, the Devils would take possession and keep it throughout the entirety of overtime. A Dougie Hamilton stretch pass hit Jesper Bratt fresh off the bench, he connected with a speedy Hughes whose shot went off of Tyler Seguin’s stick and in. Devils won 3-2.
Game Notes
Hughes For Hart?
Jack Hughes has been electric this season. Everyone knows it, including the outside media. Hughes has an insane 22 multi-point outings after his two-goal affair last night in Dallas.
Former Devils’ defenseman said last Tuesday that Hughes would be second on his MVP ballot only behind Connor McDavid. The same McDavid who is scoring at a pace not seen since prime Mario Mario Lemieux.
Vitek Vanecek: The Brick Wall
Vanecek had another outstanding performance last night to help steal the game for the Devils. The first-year Devils’ netminder saved 1.18 above expected in his effort to collect his ninth-consecutive win and 21st total.
Many said after last year that the Devils were a goalie away from competing from a playoff spot. It’s safe to say that this year has shown that to be true.
What’s Next
The Devils won’t play again until February 6 against the Vancouver Canucks. This due to the impending All-Star break which will see Jack Hughes represent the team in Sunrise, Florida.