What a huge way to return home after a successful road trip! The New Jersey Devils won a hard fought game with the Boston Bruins by a score of 2-1. The goaltending was fantastic from both sides and defensively both teams played strong.
Boston was without two of their top players (Pavel Zacha, Charlie McAvoy) coming into tonight’s game. But being able to beat the top team in the conference is a huge boost of confidence. New Jersey is now 7-2 since the return of captain Nico Hischier and continued its climb up the standings.
Game Recap
First Period
The first period was a slower start for the New Jersey Devils. Boston came out flying and played well in the opening frame. They outshot the Devils early on and played better at the start.
Once New Jersey got its first power play, they caught fire and pushed the pace the other way. Despite this, it was the Bruins who found the back of the net first. After the puck hit Vitek Vanecek in the glove, Morgan Geekie pounced on the rebound and grabbed the lead. The horn would sound and the Devils would trail 1-0 headed into the second period.
As mentioned, Boston had the edge in the period. They held the edge in shot attempts (17-14), and out shot the Devils 9-5 at five on five.
Second Period
This period would feature no scoring, but the Devils played a much better period than the first. They got after Boston and took the game to them in the second frame. New Jersey controlled the play and dominated in shot attempts 21-11. It was a lower event period, but the Devils held the advantage in expected goals 0.85-0.68.
Third Period
The Devils finally got on the board and were able to get past Jeremy Swayman and the Boston defense. After a Colin Miller slap shot took a funky bounce, Dawson Mercer tapped the back past Swayman to tie the game. Boston would generate chances and get their looks but Vanecek would stand tall in the crease. New Jersey would counteract the other way but could not break through once more. Both teams would earn their one point and head to overtime.
This period was fantastic and had no penalties called. Both teams played with great pace and were strong defensively. It was the highest event period in the game, as the Devils generated the most expected goals (1.74-1.43). The game was even in terms of Corsi-for percentage (50.00) but the Devils ultimately got the game tying goal.
Overtime
What a fantastic overtime this was. Both teams were getting after it and generated great chances. The Devils would score the game-winning goal and earn the second point. After entering the zone with great speed, Jesper Bratt found an open Jack Hughes who ripped a wrist shot past Swayman. It was a huge earned and deserved two points.
Game Notes
- This was the best victory of the season for the Devils but also for Vitek Vanecek. It has been a tough go for Vanecek this season but was sensational tonight in net. He finished the night with 2.24 goals saved above expected (per Evolving Hockey) and a .960 save percentage. Vanecek was even good in the high-danger areas and made a lot of key saves to keep the team in the game. This game was great for him and for his confidence.
- It did not result in a goal, but Timo Meier had a strong game for the Devils. With Meier on the ice, the Devils generated 1.29 expected goals and had the edge in shot attempts. However, from an individual standpoint, Meier was relentless with his effort. He finished with the most individual shot attempts (10), second most individual expected goals (0.59), and a team high six shots on goal. It is a matter of time before he finds the back of the net and puck luck is on his side.
What’s Next?
The New Jersey Devils return to the ice Saturday night as they travel to take on the Columbus Blue Jackets.