The New Jersey Devils (3-2-0) once again dominated their opponent for a large stretch. Though, it was not as easy as their first two wins this season. Despite a ferocious storm at the end of the game, the Devils held on, defeating the San Jose Sharks (1-6-0) by a score of 2-1. This is New Jersey’s third-straight win.
With the victory, the Devils now fifth in the Metropolitan Division with six points. The San Jose Shark, meanwhile, are tied for the fewest points in the NHL.
Game Summary
The first period was a lackluster one for both teams. It was not until about the 16-minute mark that the Devils turned it on. As they ended the period with a flurry. This strong play continued into the second period.
About seven minutes into the second frame, Yegor Sharangovich made a fantastic play. He stole the puck from a Shark’s player in his own zone, went in all alone, and deked Kaapo Kahkonen out of his shoes for the first goal of the game. Tremendous solo effort to get the Devils onto the board first.
Later in the period, the good play continued as Dawson Mercer scored a power-play goal. The Sharks’ penalty kill was a perfect 22-for-22, but splendid puck movement, and two chances at Kahkonen by Mercer resulted in that streak ending.
The Sharks did answer back before second period’s end. After a lost faceoff by Michael McLeod, Dougie Hamilton failed to keep the puck in at the blue line, and Kevin Labanc went down and sniped one past Blackwood.
The third period went scoreless, though, both teams had tremendous chances. At five-on-five the Devils once again held the advantage in the period. Though, in the final four minutes of the game, the Devils had to stave off a power play and a ton of six-on-four time. At the end, the Devils held on, weathered the storm, and defeated the Sharks 2-1.
Wrap Up
With the victory, the Devils won their third-straight game. Mackenzie Blackwood was superb again, tallying the victory and stopping 21 of 22 Sharks’ shots. The offense put the opposing goalie on his heels once again, totally a gaudy 36 shots, but only mustered two scores.
Dawson Mercer tallied his second of the season in the game. While Jesper Bratt and Nico Hischier also picked up points. On the year, Bratt leads the team in scoring with eight assists in five games. Meanwhile, Hischier has six points in four games. Yegor Sharangovich’s goal was the first of his season.
Games Notes
- The Devils have played five games, and despite the record, have held the possession advantage in each of the five. At five-on-five on Saturday, New Jersey out-shot attempted the Sharks 48-41 and held the expected goals advantage, at all strengths, 3.64 to 2.29. New Jersey also had more high-danger chances and scoring chances. The Devils continued the theme of being the best five-on-five team in the league when it comes to possession and opportunities.
- Both goaltenders were very strong. Mackenzie Blackwood, notably, posted his third-straight game with a positive goals saved above expected (GSAx). His GSAx of 1.29 was his best total of the season. Which checks out, given how strong he was in the game. Blackwood has been money the last three games, if he can even be average the rest of the way, the Devils can certainly go places.
- Brendan Smith was the New Jersey’s worst defenseman again. He posted a Corsi-for percentage (CF%) of 43.75 and an expected goals-for percentage (xGF%) of 42.30. Each the lowest on the team. It appears head coach Lindy Ruff noticed these struggles as the Devils’ seventh-dressed defenseman, Kevin Bahl, ended up getting more ice time than Smith (9:48 to 8:18). Bahl played well once again, posting a 69.23 CF% and 95.42 xGF%. He should be the team’s sixth defenseman going forward.
What’s Next:
The Devils are home once again, this time against the Washington CAaitals (2-3-0). This game is slated for Monday, October 24 at 7:00 P.M. ET.
All statistics courtesy of Natural Stat Trick.