Not having Nico Hischier, Jack Hughes, and Timo Meier (who was a game-time decision and is now expected to be out “short term”) is demoralizing to an offense looking for added goal scoring. That was not a factor in Thursday night’s matchup. The New Jersey Devils marched into Pittsburgh and took the two points with a commanding 5-2 victory.
New Jersey had five different goal scorers and depth was at the forefront. This was a great bounce-back victory for the Devils as they head home with confidence. The team improved to 8-6-1 with the victory.
Game Recap
First Period
This was an eventful period, as both teams managed to find the back of the net. Pittsburgh got the game started and in exhilarating fashion. Bryan Rust found a way to get behind the Devils defense and was sprung on a breakaway. He skated in and fired the puck past Vanecek to take the lead.
New Jersey would respond by tying the game while on the penalty kill. After Pittsburgh turned the puck over in the neutral zone, Erik Haula and Curtis Lazar capped off a two-on-one. Both teams would trade chances but would head to the second period tied.
This was a period where Pittsburgh had a slight edge at five-on-five. They led in shot attempts (14-13), and controlled the expected goals share (0.85-0.54). When it came to scoring chances, both teams were neck and neck with one another.
Second Period
The second period got off to a fast start, with both teams finding the back of the net. Rust would score his second of the game by deflecting a backhanded pass by Erik Karlsson. Capitalizing on a turnover and going hard to the net, Erik Haula buried a rebound past Tristan Jarry to tie the game. The period had great back and forth pace but neither team would break through again this period.
Both teams managed to score when the game was played at five-on-five, however, New Jersey controlled the pace that period. They found ways to generate scoring chances and controlled the expected goals share 1.14-1.1. They also led in shots this period and peppered Jarry when they had the chance.
Third Period
This period was all New Jersey. They put the foot on the gas pedal and controlled the period. Jesper Bratt grabbed the lead with a roof-top snipe and then the flood gates opened.
In a span of 20 seconds, the Devils potted two goals. Alexander Holtz put himself in prime position and capped off a great pass by Dawson Mercer. Then, Tyler Toffoli took a great saucer pass and one timed a shot past Jarry and the Devils took a commanding 5-2 lead. That is where the game finished.
Wrap Up
This was a great bounce-back game for the New Jersey Devils. The Devils had five different goal scorers and had four players with multi point nights. Vitek Vanecek held his own in night and had one of his better games. This was a big confidence booster as the team heads home for a crucial game.
Game Notes
- Colin Miller looked sharp in his debut for the Devils. His impacts when on the ice were noticeable. He finished with a Corsi-for percentage (CF%) of 70.37 and shot attempts were 19-8 with him on the ice. Also, shots on goal were 12-4 and those 12 shots was the most of any player. He should be a key cog in the lineup going forward.
- Vitek Vanecek had a good game for himself and for the team. Vanecek finished with a 1.17 goals saved above expected and a .923 save percentage. With how shaky the goaltending has been, this was great for him as we advance.
What’s Next?
The Devils return home on Saturday night against the New York Rangers.