Overview
There was a playoff feel Sunday night at Prudential Center. Plenty to play for with two meaningful points on the line. The New Jersey Devils (44-16-6) secured a statement victory over the Carolina Hurricanes (43-14-8). With the victory, the Devils share first place with Carolina and have their sights set on the division crown. This all thanks to a brilliant defensive performance which led to a 3-0 shutout victory.
Game Summary
First Period
The first period belonged to the Devils. Right from puck drop, they were all over the Hurricanes. As a result, the Devils scored the period’s only goals.
After a slick takeaway by Jack Hughes, he skated into the zone and would fire the puck five-hole for the opening goal. Moments later, Hughes would factor in the second goal as well. After possessing the puck, Hughes sent a pass to Jesper Bratt who sprung in for the goal. A well-earned 2-0 lead for New Jersey after one period.
Second Period
The second period was exactly like the first; the Devils being the only team to score. After poorly being misplayed by goaltender Pytor Kochetkov, Hughes found a loose puck and found Bratt who slid it into the open net.
This period had plenty of action after the goal, with both teams trading chances throughout. Despite Carolina dominating the period, the Devils would take a 3-0 lead into the final frame.
Third Period
Despite a heavy push by Carolina, the Devils would go on to shut the door. Nobody scored and when the horn sounded, the Devils secured the two points and first place in the division.
Wrap Up
Jesper Bratt had two goals, Jack Hughes had himself a three-point night (one goal and two assists) and Dougie Hamilton is now 15 points shy of the franchise record for defensemen. In addition, Vitek Vanecek bounced back and secured the victory via his 32-save shutout.
Game Notes
- Vitek Vanecek had himself a great bounce-back game. He secured a shutout victory, stopping all 32 shots. In addition, he finished with a 2.32 goals saved above expected and made plenty of timely saves.
- Jack Hughes (one goal) and Jesper Bratt (two goals) broke out of their goal droughts. Hughes has been scoreless in six games and Bratt in four games. Tonight was also Hughes’ sixth three-point game of the season.
- Carolina had better possession (60.00 Corsi-for percentage), but the Devils did a good job of suppressing their actual chances. They limited Carolina to just four high-danger shots at five-on-five and faired better in term of the expected goal share (53.76%).
What’s Next?
The New Jersey Devils continue their home stand and take on the Tampa Bay Lightning Tuesday night.