Game one of 82, and boy was it a stressful one for both the New Jersey Devils and their fans. After squandering a late two-goal lead, Jack Hughes came to the rescue and ensured the two points in overtime. Overall, there were several bright spots in last night’s 4-3 overtime victory against Chicago.
Game Summary
The scoring got going so fast in the game it set a new record. Newest Devil Dougie Hamilton scored a goal just 17 seconds into the game, it was set up by a terrific turnover created by Jesper Bratt. This was the only goal in a period that was skewed in favor of the Devils. The second period featured two goals, an early power play goal by Chicago and a late even strength goal by Jack Hughes. Hughes won the puck battle behind the net, and was finally able to whip the puck home.
The third period is where the game really picked up. Andreas Johnsson, who had arguably his best game in a Devils’ sweater, made the game 3-1. Dawson Mercer registered his first career point after creating the rebound that Johnsson cashed in on. Unfortunately, the two-goal lead did not hold up as Chicago struck with a six-on-four advantage, then again with a six-on-five advantage with only 26-seconds left. It was another opening night blown lead.
Luckily, Jack Hughes made sure the night did not end on a sour note. He scored his second goal of the game by using extreme patience. He made two Blackhawks defenders missed, then proceeded to outlast Chicago’s net minder and beat him with a sweet back-hand. Hughes, the legend he is, then celebrated “baseball-style,” with a stick flip into the crowd.
The final shot count was 29-27 in favor of the Devils. In terms of individual performances, Jonathan Bernier was strong all night and did not allow a goal at five-on-five. Hughes, as mentioned above, tallied two goals while Dougie Hamilton scored a goal of his own and logged 25:54 of ice time in his Devil debut.
Games Notes
- Lost in the drama was how terrific the Devils’ third line was. The trio of Andreas Johnsson (led Devils in Corsi-for % and expected goals-for %), Dawson Mercer, and Tomas Tatar combined for a shot attempt differential of plus-14/minus-three (82.35 Corsi-fot %) and an expected goals-for (xGF%) of 80.00. Each figures were by far the best of any Devil line last night. They all also registered a point on the Johnsson rebound goal in the second. Head coach Lindy Ruff must make it a point to keep these three together.
- The Devils need Ty Smith and Damon Severson back as soon as possible. Colton White and Christian Jaros combined for a shot attempt differential of plus-five/minus-11 (31.25 Corsi-for %) which was by far the worst of the three pairings. Also, not having Severson and Smith forced New Jersey to play P.K. Subban and Jonas Siegenthaler when the Devils were scored on late in the third period. A guy like Severson is much more suited to be on the ice in that situation.
- The Devils top-pairing of Dougie Hamilton and Ryan Graves played nearly 18-minutes of five-on-five ice time and a total of 25-minutes plus. In doing so, they certainly delivered. The duo registered a Corsi-for % (CF%) of 72.00 and an xGF% of 65.36. Given the competition they were lined up against, and the ice time they had to eat, these numbers are terrific.
- The Devils decided to sign camp professional try out Jimmy Vesey to a one-year deal. In his first regular season with the club he excelled in a fourth line, penalty-killing role. Vesey posted a splendid CF% of 72.22 and an xGF% of 63.74. In doing so, he also created a few grade-A chances the Devils were not able to convert on. If he can emerge as a solid fourth-liner it will be huge for the Devils’ overall depth up front.
The Devils will be back in action, at the Prudential Center, on Tuesday night against the Seattle Kraken.