With both teams coming into the second of a back to back, the playing field was leveled out. The New Jersey Devils (3-2-1) suffered a defeat to the Washington Capitals (2-3-1) in a division showdown by the score of 6-4.
It was a high-scoring affair that saw the Devils once again start slow, but storm back in a big way. Unfortunately, they were unable to hold a third period lead.
Game Recap
First period
It seems like a common theme, but the Devils did not arrive to the game on time. Washington came ready to play and dominated the first period.
Anthony Mantha capitalized off a turnover and slid the puck through Akira Schmid for the opening goal. While falling down, Dylan Strome got the puck under the pad to extend the lead. The bleeding would continue. Off a breakout in the neutral zone, Sony Milano ripped a shot far side to make it 3-0. Washington would take a commanding lead into the second period.
Second Period
Much like a recipe for a lot of their games to start the year, the Devils dominated the second period. The team stormed back and scored three goals in a span of 2:11. Tyler Toffoli picked up where he left off last game. After a Timo Meier shot got blocked, Toffoli ripped home the rebound to cut the deficit to two. The line continued to go to work. Off a well executed breakout, Jack Hughes sent a cross seam pass to Meier for the easy tap in goal.
Nico Hischier capped off the tying goal, pouncing on a loose puck with a large crowd in front of the crease. Washington would take a timeout, but the bleeding would continue. Off a backhanded pass by Luke Hughes, Toffoli pounced on the loose puck and would slide it under Hunter Shepard‘s pad. All four goals were scored in under six minutes and the Devils would head to the third period with a lead.
New Jersey deserved this four goal period, as they dominated the shot attempts (CF%) with 68.75%, as well as the expected goals share (1.48-0.45). Washington was heavily outshot and out chanced and it showed on the scoreboard.
Third Period
Washington wasted no time getting back in front. Dylan Strome executed a brilliant two on one to tie the game at four. After a crazy sequence in the offensive zone, the Devils got caught and Washington had another odd man rush. McMichael squeaked a savable shot past Vanecek to grab the lead. New Jersey showed pushback and had their looks against Shepard but nothing resulted from it.
Alexander Ovechkin sealed the deal with an empty net goal and the Capitals walked out of Newark with a 6-4 win.
Game Notes
Poor Goaltending
The Devils goaltending was not very good in this game. There were a few goals that Washington scored that you should have been saved. Between Akira Schmid and Vitek Vanecek, the result was -2.87 goals saved above expected combined.
In a game where the Devils did put forth an effort and scored four of their own, goaltending needed to be there and it wasn’t.
New Look Hughes Line Was Good
Head coach Lindy Ruff decided to make an adjustment to the lines earlier in the week and it has paid off to some degree. It does not matter who plays alongside Jack Hughes, but he makes everyone around him better.
The swap of Jesper Bratt and Timo Meier has worked and tonight they were the teams’ most dominant line. Together, the trio led in shot attempt differential (21 to 12) and had an advantage in shots on goal (9 to 6). Most importantly, they factored into three of the team’s four goals.
The chemistry between Hughes and Toffoli has been dynamite since day one and seeing Meier get on the scoreboard is great for his confidence.
What’s Next?
The Devils continue their homestand as the Buffalo Sabres come to town Friday night.