Match Summary
The New Jersey Devils had their chances, but they just could not perform. Despite a solid defensive performance, the Devils couldn’t beat the Washington Capitals in overtime. This was a tough loss for New Jersey, who lost control of the game in the third yet came excruciatingly close to a victory.
First Period
The first period of this game could definitely be described as boring. The teams felt each other out, exchanging a few chances, yet no one scored. Early in the period, Jesper Bratt was tagged with a goalie interference call, though it appeared that he was shoved into Vitek Vanecek. Teams went into the locker room tied at zero.
Second Period
Things picked up a bit in the second frame, the Capitals and Devils exchanged goals. The ever-dangerous John Carlson struck first, assisted by Lars Eller. Later, Vanecek let a rebound loose, which Michael McLeod capitalized on. McLeod has been particularly hot as of late, more on that later.
Third Period
Once again, no goals were scored in the third, and the Devils were hemmed into their own end. The Capitals owned 65% of the shots in this period, but MacKenzie Blackwood stood tall in the net. Both sides had a few nice chances, but no one capitalized, forcing a sudden-death overtime period.
Overtime
The extra frame immediately got off to a confusing start as the centers battled in the faceoff circle and Connor Sheary got an early chance. As things settled down, however, New Jersey got two great chances off, courtesy of Jack Hughes and Travis Zajac but Vanecek came up with the stops. Unfortunately, after the Zajac chance, the Capitals came back the other way, and Dimitry Orlov potted the game-winner.
Results
It wasn’t exactly the blowout I predicted, but it was still a heartbreaking loss for Jersey. It always hurts to come so close only to lose, but especially so for such a young team as the Devils. They can only hope to come back and finally get a win against Washington on Sunday.
The Devils are now 13-16-6, holding at seventh in the East Division. The Capitals now own a record of 24-9-4, a dominant first in the division.
Keys to the Game
MacKenzie Blackwood
I feel like I write this after every game, MacKenzie Blackwood had an elite night in the crease for Jersey. He saved 38 shots on 40 attempts for a .950 SV%. After a less-than-stellar streak a while ago, Blackwood has looked like his dominant self, and he looked fantastic last night.
Michael McLeod
The former first-round pick has looked good all year, a stark improvement from previous years. Recently, however, he’s turned on the gas, scoring three in his last six and two in his last two games. His was the only Devils goal last night, but it was impressive all the same.
Up Next
The Devils and Capitals finish their season series on Easter Sunday at 3:00 pm.