The Pittsburgh Penguins came out with a fast start, and despite battling back to within a one goal game, the Devils just didn’t have it Saturday afternoon and subsequently fell 7-3. Jacob Markström had some goals that he would for sure want to have back, but overall, the team just made too many mistakes and couldn’t generate enough consistent offensive pressure.
First Period
The Penguins clearly came out with a game plan of getting pucks on net as often as possible, really driving the play the first three minutes of the game. The Devils were able to balance things out and ultimately struck first courtesy of Cody Glass. With the primary assist, Jesper Bratt moved to just two assists shy of Scott Stevens’ all-time team record.
Pittsburgh responded by taking advantage of a failed clear attempt by Simon Nemec with just under three minutes left to tie the game 1-1 off of a Connor Dewar rebound goal. Then, just 25 seconds later the Penguins struck again. After a puck bounced past Dawson Mercer, who was covering at the blue line, the Penguins came in on a two-on-one with Danton Heinen ultimately finishing it off with the goal to make it 2-1. Shots were 7-6 Pittsburgh for the period.
Second Period
Markström had to come up big right away to begin the second period, making a huge save against Bryan Rust off of a beautiful backdoor feed from Sidney Crosby. The Devils went to their second power play of the game, but once again were stonewalled by Jarry.
Then, with a delayed penalty incoming, Crosby found Rickard Rakell wide open in the slot with Paul Cotter covering the net front for Brian Dumoulin who fell awkwardly behind the net to make it 3-1. With right around eight minutes remaining in the period, Pesce took a critical double minor for high sticking that felt like a potential turning point in the game.
The Devils put together a very strong penalty kill and nearly had a shorthanded goal to boot, but ultimately Nathan Bastian was ruled offsides and the goal was disallowed. New Jersey went nearly the final 9:30 of the period without registering a shot on goal. Shots were 14-13 after two periods.
Third Period
The Penguins continued to capitalize on their chances just 2:22 into the period. A sloppy turnover behind the net by Johnathan Kovacevic left Philip Tomasino wide open in front and his wrister beat Markstrom low glove for a 4-1 lead. The Devils got a chance to try and claw back into it after Dumoulin got caught with a high stick and sent them to a four-minute power play.
The Devils weren’t able to generate much with the first two minutes, but after a great zone hold by Nemec, Timo Meier found himself alone and buried the wrist shot to make it 4-2. Bratt notched his second assist of the night, which moved him just one shy of tying Stevens’ record.
Just six seconds after the goal, Pesce got caught with a Malkin high stick and New Jersey once again went on a four-minute power play. It would only take a minute for the unit to strike this time, with Nico Hischier tipping home a Luke Hughes shot from the point to make it a 4-3 game. With a secondary assist, Bratt earned his third point of the night and tied the mark of 60 assist record held by Steven. It also marked his third-straight game with at least three points.
Later in the period, Pesce took a hit along the boards and ended up getting nailed with a retaliatory cross-checking call on Kevin Hayes, sending Pittsburgh to their third power play of the game. Much like on the Penguins’ first goal, a failed clear attempt ultimately led to the Erik Karlsson goal and a 5-3 Penguins lead. Dewar would end up potting an empty net goal and then in the dying moments Kevin Hayes buried one that went off Markström’s glove and in for the 7-3 victory.
Game Notes
Bratt Dominance Continues
Despite the tough loss, Jesper Bratt had his third straight game with three points and tied Scott Steven’s’ team record 60 assists in a season. Since Jack Hughes has gone down, Bratt has become a driving force for the offense and will continue to be a major key to the offense down the stretch.
Markström’s Woes Cause for Concern?
While the Devils as a whole looked off, Markström hasn’t been the same goalie since he returned from his injury. The high-danger saves just haven’t been there like they were in the earlier part of the season, having stopped on 66% of the high danger shots he’s faced and has just an .839 save percentage since returning from injury.
What’s Next
The Devils have another crucial matchup with the Columbus Blue Jackets Monday night, with puck drop scheduled for just after 7:00 pm ET at Nationwide Arena.