Last night, the New Jersey Devils (11-3-0) took a chaotic game at home over the Ottawa Senators (4-8-1). The win brings the teams current win streak to eight-consecutive games, the longest such since 2011 and tied for the fourth longest in franchise history. The game was won in overtime, making it the second game on the win streak to be taken in overtime, and the first overtime win at home.
Recap
First Period
After an early power play from Ottawa, the Devils responded with pressure from the marquee Jack Hughes line. That pressure resulted in a much-needed goal for Tomas Tatar, whose shot took a slight deflection off the leg of Senators’ defenseman Parker Kelly.
The Senators would get another power play, but this one would be more eventful as Claude Giroux connected on a perfect pass to North Dakota product Shane Pinto. Ottawa would score again just a minute and nine seconds later as multiple bodies in front caused chaos and a goal from Travis Hamonic to give Ottawa a 2-1 lead.
It didn’t take long for Nico Hischier to tie the game though, as with just under two minutes to go in the period the Devils captain ripped a shot past Ottawa netminder Anton Forsberg to tie the game.
Second Period
The Devils struck first in the second period. After a few whacks from Michael McLeod, the loose puck found Miles Wood who potted his sixth of the season. The Devils would have more grade-A chances in the second frame to no avail. One of those chances seemed like an open net for Haula who was robbed by Forsberg.
Partway through the period a Thomas Chabot net drive caused Vitek Vanecek to go to the ground. Although he stayed in the game following the hit, Akira Schmid was waiting in the wings.
Third Period
The Senators wasted almost no time in the third, tying the game just 90 seconds in with a wicked wrist shot from Shane Pinto. The second year forward’s second of the game and eighth of the year.
Shortly after this, Vanecek would finally leave the game. It was officially Akira Schmid’s time to shine. And shine he did, eventually. The Devils would press for large chunks of the third in front of Schmid which included some great chances in the final two minutes from John Marino, Hughes, and Dawson Mercer. None of them went in, and the two teams headed to overtime.
Overtime
A crazy overtime started with Devils’ possession and a Nico Hischier shot off the post. As quickly as things seemed to be swinging the Devils way, they lost momentum just as quickly.
A John Marino slashing penalty in overtime gave Ottawa a chance to win against a rookie goalie. Akira Schmid would not let that happen though. He made two or three great saves in front of the net on a dominant Ottawa power play.
At the conclusion of the Senators’ man advantage, Jack Hughes was hauled down by Thomas Chabot. It was now the Devils who had the man advantage in overtime. Right off the faceoff Hamilton took the puck and gave it to Hughes, who gave it right back to a tee’d up Hamilton. His shot was deflected off the leg of Nico Hischier to give the Devils the win in the extra session.
Game Notes
Magic Eight Wins. Or is It?
As previously mentioned, the Devils won their eighth-consecutive game. The win puts their record at 11-3. Oddly the last time the Devils won eight in a row was a year they didn’t even make the playoffs. That year was 2010-11 when the Devils missed the playoffs with a 38-39-5 record.
Oh Captain My Captain
Nico Hischier scored two goals including the game winner in overtime last night. His totals for the year now are up to eight goals and eight assists’ for 16 points in just 13 games played. The Devils captain is on pace to have the best season of his career by far. His 100 point pace would crush his previous career high of 60 that Hischier set last season.
Akira Schmid.
After coming into the game in relief for Vitek Vanecek who exited the game out of precaution, Akira Schmid was a perfect seven-for-seven including some highlight reel stops in overtime.
Schmid was called up just a few days ago after Mackenzie Blackwood injured his MCL in a game against the Edmonton Oilers. Schmid played in parts of six games for the Devils last season recording an .833 save percentage, which makes his performance last night even more encouraging.
Next Up: Saturday, November 7 versus the Arizona Coyotes at the Prudential Center.