The New Jersey Devils returned to play for the first time since last Thursday against arguably the league’s worst. The game started out strong, but it came crashing down and the Devils were handed another frustrating loss. This thanks in large part to goaltending. Karel Vejmelka of Arizona was excellent and MacKenzie Blackwood not so much. With the defeat, the Devils drop to 14-19-5 on the year.
Game Summary
Period 1
The Devils came out and dominated the first period. It was as dominate of a period they’ve played all season. Unfortunately, they were only able to break through once. Which would cost them dearly.
The lone goal of the period was a Nico Hischier power play tally. Jack Hughes started the play by creating turnover and going toward the net. Jesper Bratt picked up the loose puck and found Hischier in the slot for a goal that squeaked by Vejmelka. Despite out-shooting Arizona 12-1, New Jersey only led 1-0.
Period 2
The wheels came flying off in the second period. Weirdly enough, New Jersey ended up out-shooting, out-shot attempting, and held the majority of the expected goal share in the period. However, Arizona out-scored New Jersey 3-0 and took the 3-1 lead going into period three.
Blackwood was the story of the period. Behind nearly every NHL goalie this season in expected goals saved above average, Blackwood showed why. He let up a point-shot, followed by a rebound goal, then a re-direction in front. Out of the three goals, the third was the would have been the toughest save, as Travis Boyd made a nice tip. However, given his play this season, it would have been nice to see him make a big save at least once. Nonetheless, New Jersey trailed in the category that matters the most, goals, after two periods. This despite holding the shots advantage 27-8.
Period 3
Being down by two goals entering the third would make one thing the Devils should put together their best period of the game. Well, that was not the case. It was the only period New Jersey did not hold the expected goals share.
Any chances of the Devils coming back evaporated with 11:31 left when Johan Larsson put one home. The puck bounced out in front, a tad misplayed by Ty Smith, and he snapped it past Blackwood. New Jersey pulled the goalie with over three minutes left, but it did not result in a goal for either team. The final horn sounded, New Jersey gave the Coyotes their 10th win of the season, thanks to a 4-1 defeat.
Games Notes
- Blackwood was the reason the Devils got behind 3-1. After the third Coyotes goal, Arizona only had an expected goals-for of 1.04. Blackwood, up to that point, let in 1.96 more goals than expected. Now, that number would balance out as the Coyotes came on as the game progressed. But, Blackwood being the reason for the Devils struggles has happened way too often this season. He isn’t ranked 93rd out of 97 qualified goaltenders in goals saved above expected for no reason.
- Enough about the ugliness. Want some good news? Alexander Holtz scored his eighth goal of the season for the Utica Comets (AHL) last night. This brought his point total up to 16 through 14 and 2/3rds of the game. Note, this was written during the third period of that contest.
What’s Next: Saturday, January 22nd, at the Prudential Center versus the Carolina Hurricanes.