It was a reunion of sorts, as Miles Wood had his homecoming party and Zach Parise showed his face as well. However, the New Jersey Devils (25-20-3) spoiled the festivities and took care of business. In a back and forth affair, the Devils defeated the Avalanche 5-3.
This was a huge victory for the Devils, who desperately needed a strong start to the second half of the season. With teams such as the Flyers and Penguins also winning, getting the two points was huge. They secured this win without key players and will need efforts like these to remain in the hunt.
Game Recap
First Period
The first period started off fast for both teams. 83 seconds into the game, Mikko Rantanen ripped a perfectly placed shot to kick off the scoring. The Devils would respond less than a minute later. A Simon Nemec shot found its way through traffic and was deflected by Chris Tierney to tie the game at one. Colorado generated great momentum and smothered the Devils. The Devils would counter with change of their own but both goalies stood tall.
The first period was a stronger one for the Devils. Being without Tyler Toffoli and not having Jack Hughes back, this was a good start. They controlled possession with a 56.25% share of the shot attempts. It was dead even in shots on goal (13-13) and scoring chances were 12-11 in favor of the Avalanche. Overall not a bad period for the Devils, especially against a good Avalanche team.
Second Period
This period was all Devils, as they had the two goals in the frame. The first goal came off a terrifically executed two-on-one. After getting the puck past a pinching Cale Makar, Jesper Bratt and Nico Hischier executed the odd-man rush for the go ahead goal.
Then, Dawson Mercer helped extend the lead by going hard to the net. A failed clearing attempt by Samuel Girard deflected off Mercer to make the Devils lead 3-1. The Devils kept the foot on the gas and did a good job limiting the Avalanche’s time and space. The horn would sound and the Devils maintained their 3-1 lead.
This was another strong period for the Devils, especially at five-on-five. The Devils led in shot attempts (21-11) and outshot the Avalanche 10-6. What stood out was the Devils dominance in the expected goals share (1.25-0.54).
Third Period
The third period was a push back by the Avalanche and it showed on the score board. Two goals in 29 seconds and the game was tied at three. As Luke Hughes was rounding the net, a hard hit by Artturi Lehkonen freed up the puck and Cale Makar punched it home. Another defenseman went to work for the Avalanche and helped tie the game. Samuel Girard fired a slap shot past Vitek Vanecek and the comeback was complete.
Luckily, the Devils put a halt to the comeback and grabbed the lead. With three minutes to go, Nico Hischier found John Marino in the slot and he punched home the one timed shot. Erik Haula would seal it with the empty net goal and the Devils would win the game 5-3.
Game Notes
- This was a better game for Vitek Vanecek. Overall, he finished with 0.12 goals saved above expected and finished with a .921 save percentage. He made key saves, especially stopping Nathan MacKinnon on a breakaway in the later stages of the third period. Vanecek was nearly perfect in the high-danger areas of the ice, stopping eight of nine attempts he faced. Against a high octane offense, he played good for the Devils.
- The Devils penalty kill deserves recognition. They took care of the Avalanche’s eighth-ranked power play unit, having them go 0-for-3 with the man advantage. Colorado generated only two high-danger attempts with the power play, so the Devils limited anything of quality.
What’s Next?
The Devils continue their home stand. They welcome the Calgary Flames to town Thursday night.