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Match Summary
It’s a miracle! The New Jersey Devils scored more than three goals in a game! Admittedly, it was against a weak Philadelphia Flyers’ defense, but I digress. The red-hot Devils came out of Philadelphia with a 4-3 win in a strong showing all around. The offense was on point and Mackenzie Blackwood was dialed in for the most part. Overall, a solid game for New Jersey
First Period
New Jersey came out guns blazing in the opening frame. They drew first blood on a Michael McLeod goal off a beauty of a pass from Ty Smith. The Flyers would answer not long after with a goal from youth-sensation Joel Farabee. This particular goal resulted from the Flyers’ powerplay, one of the best aspects of the struggling team. The Devils said not so fast, countering with a Kyle Palmeri powerplay goal with seconds left on the clock.
On their prolonged losing streak, it was common to see the Devils down going into the intermission. It’s always nice to see them come out with energy and poise like what they did last night.
Second Period
It was all Devils in the second, they extended their lead by two and dominated the Flyers. They really exposed Philidelphia’s flaws, especially in their own zone. Similarly, on the offense, the Flyers just couldn’t get quality shots. Most of them came from the point, whereas the Devils’ forwards cut in with speed to generate their chances.
Going into the second intermission, the Devils led 4-1.
Third Period
The Devils definitely slowed in the third, allowing two late Flyers goals, but hung on where it counted. Sean Couturier really lit up in this frame, scoring both goals for Philadelphia. And in doing so, nearly bringing them back to life. Nevertheless, despite a late rally, New Jersey hung on for the win.
Results
I really liked how the Devils played last night. They were everything a young team should be: dynamic, energetic, and skillful. The offense in particular really needed a morale-booster against the struggling Carter Hart, and that’s exactly what they got. Philadelphia is now 15-12-4, fifth place in the East Division. The Devils are 12-14-4, a rising seventh.
Keys to the Game
MacKenzie Blackwood
It’s always a good night when Mackenzie Blackwood is up to the task. He stopped 30 of 33 shots for a .909 save percentage. That doesn’t sound amazing, but keep in mind that he gave up two goals in garbage time, both to Sean Couturier. Clearly, the players in front of Blackwood thrive on his confidence, the offense even decided to show up! I’ve preached this over and over again, the Devils rely on MacKenzie Blackwood, and it’s good to see him bounce back.
Travis Zajac
Before the game yesterday, one of our fantastic writers, Jacob Goren, pointed out to me that Travis Zajac seems to always be paired with inexperienced youth and always seems to make them better and more confident. I’ve always been high on the importance of veteran leadership, and the alternate captain is the epitome of it. He grinds away, digging pucks out, making the tough passes, and even scoring the goals for his young linemates. He had a goal and an assist in yesterday’s match and has been quite hot as of late.
Penalties
The Flyers and Devils combined for seven penalties yesterday. Each team scored one powerplay goal. There wasn’t much discipline on the Devils’ side of things, they took a couple of avoidable penalties. This is not great, but expected from a young team. The referees were quite inconsistent and seemed to hold their whistles in the third. Just your regular old Flyers-Devils match really.
Up Next
The Devils and Washington Capitals face off on Thursday at 7:00 pm.