Friday night, the New Jersey Devils’ comeback attempt fell short at home against the Washington Capitals. The Devils got behind 3-0 early, before scoring two goals in rapid succession during the third period. Ultimately, they lost 4-2 falling to 7-5-1 on the season.
Recap
Period One
The Devils came out playing well, getting a multitude of opportunities off the cycle. The two teams played a very even game until a shot from Nicolas Aube-Kubel got past Vitek Vanecek to make it 1-0 Washington. Just 15 seconds later Beck Malenstyn whipped a shot past Vanecek to make it 2-0 and that would be the end of Vanecek’s night.
Akira Schmid replaced him and be under siege the remainder of the period. However, he would stop everything to keep it 2-0.
Period Two
The second period continued with solid chances for Washington. The Devils would pick up some momentum eventually, but not enough to score. Eventually, a Kevin Bahl shot took a funky bounce and Tom WIlson and Evgeni Kuznetsov would go on a 2-on-0 rush. Schmid couldn’t stop that one and it was 3-0.
Period Three
The Devils would put the pressure on in the third period, with an abundance of scoring chances. Eventually, one would go in as Timo Meier potted a rebound with a yawning cage. Shortly after that, Dawson Mercer scored a tap-in goal off a great pass from Tyler Toffoli to make it 3-2.
The Devils were in it with over half the period to go. Jesper Bratt thought he had the tying goal but he missed through the crease on a wrap-around. The game would stay 3-2 and with the net empty Kuznetsov would get a lucky clearance down the ice and in. Washington would win 4-2.
Game Notes
Strong Play Overall, Just No Results
While the team started off slow in the first period, overall this was another well played game by the Devils. The team just isn’t getting the goaltending it needs to win games.
After Vanecek was pulled, Schmid was excellent, he gave the team a chance to win. It’s hard to win after giving up two weak goals in 15 seconds and that’s what happened Friday night.
Overall, the Devils had a 57.89 Corsi-for percentage (CF%) and 61.73 expected goals percentage (xG%). They got the better of Washington in terms of quantity and quality of the chances.
Flat Power Play?
While there was some good puck movement Friday on the Devils’ power play, the team went 0-for-4 on the man advantage. Overall, they are 0-for-5 against Washington on the season.
Has the lethal power play gone flat without Hughes and Hischier? Or has Washington cracked the code on it? Either way there may be adjustments that need to be made.
What’s Next?
The Devils next game is scheduled for Tuesday at 8:00 pm ET. The team will travel to Winnipeg to face the Jets.