The New Jersey Devils continued their homestand. They welcomed the Florida Panthers to town, whom they’ve gone on to beat twice this season. The Devils were unable to complete the season series sweep, with the Panthers defeating the Devils in a shootout. This game had it all and was certainly a playoff-type game.
Game Recap
First Period
The first period was scoreless, but it had an edge to it and right from puck drop. Both teams imposed their physicality early and set the tone for this game. Each took trips to the penalty box, but neither prevailed. The Devils’ strong penalty kill managed to keep the top ranked power play in check. Both goalies managed to answer the bell all period.
This was an extremely low-event period. The Devils did hold the edge in shot attempts (14-12), but shots on goal at five-on-five were 5-4. One thing the Devils dominated in was scoring chances, leading the way 7-1 that period. They maintained better quality chances, dominating the high danger areas and holding the edge in expected goals 0.71-0.13.
Second Period
Another scoreless period in the books. This period had more pace to it than the first period. Both teams traded chances and both goalies answered the bell. “Marky,” chants erupted inside Prudential Center, as Jacob Markstrom came up large multiple times. The Devils certainly got their looks, but nothing came of it. The Devils and Panthers maintained their physical edge in this one, with multiple scrums after the whistles.
This was a clean period and played at five-on-five the entire twenty minutes. The Panthers pounced on the Devils, holding the edge in shot attempts 25-17. The shots on goal were close, but neither team gave up anything of quality towards the net. The Devils did hold the edge in expected goals 0.78-0.74. Both showed why they are two of the better defensive teams in the league in what’s been a low event hockey game.
Third Period
Nobody had held the Panthers to zero goals through two periods all season long. However, they broke through and scored the first goal of the game in period three. Former Devil Jesper Boqvist fired a shot that slipped through the pads of Markstrom to break the ice. The Devils responded moments later. Nico Hischier controlled the puck from behind the net and fired a shot that trickled past Spencer Knight to tie the game. It is his fourth-straight 20 goal season.
Things got chippy between these two teams. Matthew Tkachuk delivered a big hit on Nico Hischier that led a large scuffle. Both teams kept the pace going all period long, but the score remained tied and both earned one point each.
Overtime/Shootout
This overtime period had it all. The extra open ice allowed more great chances and back-and-forth action. Both goalies slammed the door shut, especially Knight at the very end with the Devils surging. This one headed to the shootout.
After a goal by Paul Cotter, the Devils were held off the board the rest of the shootout. Florida scored on their first and third opportunities to notch the extra point.
Game Notes
- The line combination of Nico Hischier, Timo Meier, and Tomas Tatar caught fire. They held the edge in shot attempts 10-4, and finished with an expected goals for percentage of 83.56. They were the Devils’ most effective line of the night.
- The Devils played defensive game and did not give the Panthers any breathing room. They surrendered just 1.99 expected goals against in all situations. Also, they allowed just three high danger shots on net all game. Not easy to do against a good Panthers team.
What’s Next?
The Devils hit the road to take on the Maple Leafs Thursday night.