The New Jersey Devils winning streak comes to an end. The Devils fell flat against the Detroit Red Wings on Sunday, getting shutout 3-0 on home ice. The loss snapped their four game winning streak.

Game Recap

First Period 

The Devils came out flying to start the game and registered the first four of the five shots on goal. However, it was the Red Wings who drew first blood and opened up the scoring. After battling for the puck behind the net, the puck found its way to the top of the blue line. Moritz Seider fired the puck from the blue line that found its way through traffic and beat Jacob Markström to take the 1-0 lead. 

The Devils’ penalty kill came up large, killing two Detroit power plays. New Jersey grabbed one of their own, but couldn’t prevail against the Detroit penalty kill. No other scoring changes were made and the Devils headed into the second period trailing 1-0. 

The Devils got outplayed in the 14:33 of five-on-five play. The Red Wings held the edge in shot attempts (16-13) and dominated the expected goals share (0.97-0.30).

Second Period

The Devils got off to a hot start in this period and took the attack to the Red Wings. They drew a penalty early in the period and got another power play. However, they’ve failed to capitalize on it and remained down a goal.

The Red Wings got a power play of their own shortly after extended their lead. Moritz Seider received a pass and fired another shot from the blue line and was deflected by James Van Riemsdyk to make it 2-0 Red Wings. 

The Devils kept pressing and trying to get back into this game, but nothing would materialize. Chaos did ensue at the end of the period with a collision coming in front of the Detroit goal, but the Devils found themselves down 2-0 entering the third period. 

The Devils dominated the period and should’ve been rewarded for their efforts. The Devils out-attempted the Red Wings 21-10, but the shots were dead even at seven each. The Devils pounced on the Red Wings defense with scoring chances (11-1).

Third Period

Cam Talbot was in net to start the third period, seeing John Gibson not return after the second period after a collision with a teammate caused by a crashing Timo Meier.

The Devils showed pushback in the final frame, but couldn’t cash in. In the end, the Red Wings scored the dagger and put a further stranglehold on the game. After seeing Seider coral the puck behind the Devils goal, he fed a cross ice pass to Dominik Shine who buried the puck past Markström. The Devils had nothing to show the rest of the way and laid a complete goose egg on home ice by losing 3-0. 

The Devils showed pushback, out-attempting the Red Wings 19-13. However, the quantity approach didn’t result in the quality approach. The Devils controlled the expected goals share 34.72% of the period. Not going to get it done with your backs against the wall.

Game Notes 

• Luke Hughes had another strong showing in this game. He rammed fourth in Corsi-for percentage (CF%) 70.59 and an expected goals-for (xGF%) with 55.38. The Devils outshot opponents 7-4 with him on the ice. Also, scoring chances were 13-4 with him on the ice. 

• Timo Meier had quality but not quantity. He finished with a 50.00 CF%, but led all Devils in xGF% with 67.36. It’s been that type of season for Meier overall. Effort is there. 

What’s Next? 

The Devils have a long layoff and maintain their homestand Thursday against the Calgary Flames.