In what was the third game between the New Jersey Devils (38-37-5) and Toronto Maple Leafs in the last two weeks, the Devils came out on top. They take the season series, as they defeated the Maple Leafs, 6-5.
The Maple Leafs continue to hold down the third spot in the Atlantic Division and the Devils put forth a strong effort despite being eliminated from playoff contention. Finishing the year strong is the key factor, as they look to build towards next season.
Game Recap
First Period
This period featured a ton of the goal scoring. It did not take long, as both teams found their way onto the scoreboard in the opening minute. As usual, the Devils allowed the first goal, as Maple Leafs captain John Tavares scored 18 seconds into the period. A quick response, saw the Devils capitalize with one of their own. 18 seconds later, Erik Haula tucked one past Ilya Samsonov to tie the game.
The back-and-forth affair continued, as Auston Matthews ripped home goal No. 67 to take the lead. As they did the first time around, the Devils responded and with Nolan Foote scoring the goal and capitalizing off a turnover.
For the first time all game, the Devils grab the lead. On the power play, Timo Meier ripped a shot past Samsonov to make it 3-2. The horn would sound and that’s how this period would end.
The score was in the Devils favor, but the Maple Leafs were a stronger team at five-on-five. They out-attempted the Devils (21-13) and outshot New Jersey 10-5. Both teams had equal success in the high-danger area of the ice but the Maple Leafs controlled the expected goals share 0.91-0.71.
Second Period
This period was all Maple Leafs to start. Matthews would get his second of the game, putting himself in good position to deflect the puck past Jake Allen. Moments later, David Kampf scored off a nifty move to help the Maple Leafs take the lead.
It would take the rest of the period to respond, but the Devils tied the game in the final moments of the period and once again on the power play. Meier scored his second of the game and second of the power play to tie the game at four. Both teams would head to the third period tied at four.
This was the more dominant period by the Maple Leafs. They controlled the pace of the game at five-on-five, finishing with a 2-0 goal differential. The Devils powerplay was the difference for them, as they had just 0.25 expected goals for at five-on-five. Toronto generated numerous scoring chances (10-3) and dominated the high-danger areas (7-2 in attempts).
Third Period
The back-and-forth affair with scoring continued between the two teams. Once again on the power play, the Devils make the Maple Leafs pay. After taking a pass by Luke Hughes, Jesper Bratt one timed a shot past Samsonov for the go ahead goal.
Four minutes later, the Maple Leafs responded. A great individual effort by Morgan Rielly along the wall, saw him send a pass to Tavares in front of the net for the tying goal. Bratt scored the game winner with under two minutes to go, as he flew into the zone and roofed a shot past Samsonov. That was more than good enough and the Devils won the game, 6-5.
Wrap Up
The Devils take the season series from the Maple Leafs 2-1. They defeated the Leafs 6-5 and special teams played a factor. The team got two goals from Bratt and Meier, and also saw Foote and Haula get on the sheet. Matthews continued his chase to 70, and currently sits at 68 goals. A good win, not necessarily deserved, for the Devils who shot 30% on the night.
Game Notes
- Special teams paid dividends for the Devils tonight. Coming into the game, the Devils had scored just two goals this month. Tonight, against the Maple Leafs, they scored three goals, and had a 75% power play success rate. Meier scored two of those goals and Bratt grabbed one. A power play without Jack Hughes and Dougie Hamilton on it proved to be effective.
- Another tough go for the defensive coverage in the high-danger areas. In all situations, the Maple Leafs generated 18 high-danger shot attempts and 11 of them made it on goal. Of the five goals they’ve scored, three of them came from that area of the ice.
What’s Next?
The Devils road trip continues as they take on the Flyers Saturday night.