The New Jersey Devils are enjoying home cooking. After defeating the Montreal Canadiens in overtime on Thursday night, they’ve defeated the Pittsburgh Penguins in a shootout to extend the win streak Saturday afternoon. It was a sloppy game with a bouncing puck and a game the Devils didn’t look their best. But as good teams do, they prevailed.
Game Recap
First Period
The Devils came out flying to start the period. They generated their first two shots off an odd-man rush, but could not score. Moments later, Jack Hughes was able to produce a high-danger scoring chance and once again Arturs Silovs stood tall in net. After that the Penguins found their legs and peppered Jake Allen with shots. The Devils needed a spark and Brenden Dillon made a big open ice hit and a fight ensued because of it.
It took until the final minute of the period, but the Devils grabbed the lead and off a great individual effort. Arseny Gritsyuk cleared the puck out of the defensive zone, which was then corralled by Kris Letang. With relentless pursuit and a great read, Gritsyuk forced the turnover and roofed a shot from close in to give the Devils a 1-0 lead. That lead was taken into the second period.
Up until the goal, the Devils didn’t look great in the opening period. The Penguins controlled the shot attempts share (23-15) and outshot the Devils 12-6. Although, when it came to the expected goals share, the Penguins held a slight edge (0.9-0.8). The entire period was played at five-on-five with not a single penalty called.
Second Period
The Devils grabbed the first power play of the game and despite generating their chances they couldn’t cash in. After that, the Penguins turned on the jets and took control of the period. 12:33 into the period, former Devil Ryan Graves tied the game and off a flukey bounce. After receiving a pass from Bryan Rust, Graves took a slap shot that deflected off the helmet of Ondrej Palat and found its way past Jake Allen.
The Penguins kept their foot on the gas and controlled possession. The Devils best chance came with under a minute left to play. After a Penguins turnover, Luke Hughes fed a cross-ice pass over to his brother Jack and was robbed by Silovs on a wide open net. Both teams headed to the third period tied at one.
The Penguins still controlled and dominated possession. They managed to control the shot attempts share (20-11) and outshot the Devils 11-7. The high-danger areas remain a struggle for both teams, with the Penguins leading in attempts 6-4 through the two periods. The offense remains low event, with the Penguins controlling the expected goals share 0.61-0.44.
Third Period
Stefan Noesen took a bad penalty and the Devils had to fend up the leagues best power play. They prevailed and fortunately kept this game tied. Both teams took to the attack and both teams were generating good scoring chances. Both goalies stood tall. Late, the Devils grabbed another power play, and despite getting good looks and chances they came away empty. Both teams happily took the one point and headed to overtime.
Overtime/Shootout
The overtime was a thriller. Jake Allen with a diving poke check while Jack Hughes with a good scoring chance. Both goalies stood tall and the teams went to the shootout.
Paul Cotter and Jesper Bratt scored each and Jake Allen secured the win stopping Crosby.
Wrap Up
For a team that struggles with puck possession this season, the Penguins put forth a strong showing against the Devils. Arseny Gritsyuk scored a goal and snapped a five game scoreless skid. With the assist on the Graves goal, Sidney Crosby now has 97 points in 90 games against the Devils for his illustrious career. The Devils are now 3-0 in games where it goes to overtime or a shootout.
Game Notes
- The line of Cody Glass, Ondrej Palat, and Arseny Gritsyuk had a phenomenal game together. The trio had a Corsi-for percentage of 52.17, but made up for it when controlling the expected goals share. They controlled the expected goals share 69.88% of the time.
- Jake Allen stood tall for the Devils in the crease. Aside from the fluke goal, he stopped 33 of the 34 shots he faced and both shootout attempts. Also, he finished the game with a .971 save percentage and 1.32 goals saved above expected. The Devils number one star was worthy of that nod.
What’s Next?
The Devils home stand continues Monday Night as they welcome Matthew Schaefer and the Islanders to town.