Game Summary
The New Jersey Devils were able to hold onto a third-period lead and get their first road win of the season. They traveled to Raleigh and defeated one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference 5-3. This was on the back end of a back-to-back no less and with this win, the Devils improve to 3-5-4 on the season.
A total of four goals were scored in the first period. Carolina got the period’s first and third goals, while New Jersey scored the others. Miles Wood – who had a fantastic game – tallied a rebound goal, and Jack Hughes – who has seven points in his last six games – tallied a power play goal.
The second period saw the two teams trade goals once again. Nico Hischier scored his first of the season on what was a highlight-reel goal (see above). However, the Hurricanes tied the game midway through the period. The third period was when the Devils were finally able to put the game away. P.K. Subban tallied his second goal as a Devil, and the 100th of his career (see below). It’s also worth mentioning the fantastic effort Miles Wood made on that play to make it happen. Damon Severson added an empty-net goal for good measure.
Mackenzie Blackwood got credited with his third win of the season after stopping 24 of 27 shots. He now owns a 3-2-3 record on the season. For the Hurricanes, James Reimer was given the loss, as he saved 21 of 24 Devils’ shots.
Game Notes
- The Devils are quietly turning around their season. They have now recorded a point in five of their last six games. They also hold a 3-1-2 record over that time. By no means will this pace be enough to fix what a terrible start they had. However, it is a start in the right direction.
- The power play continues to show strong improvement. For the sixth consecutive game, the Devils tallied a power play goal. As was mentioned on the MSG broadcast, their power play has improved nearly six spots in the league rankings. If the Devils wish to continue their recent point streak, this improvement will need to continue.
- It was the first time all season the fourth line seemed to play well. The new trio of Wood-Rooney-Simmonds led the way in terms of expected goals For % (xGF%), as the three ranked one through three on the team in that category. Depth scoring is important to many teams, and the Devils may have just found a trio that can provide that in their fourth line. Hopefully, their newfound success continues.
- Unfortunately, the much-anticipated return of Jesper Boqvist to the Devils’ lineup did not go as hoped. He was last on the team in terms of Corsi For % (CF%), with a 31.25 rating, and his xGF% of 29.82 was also the worst on the team. Also, worth noting is the trio of Boqvist-Zajac-Coleman was the Devils’ worse line by a wide margin. Do not be surprised if Boqvist finds himself in the press box once again next game.
Next Game: Tuesday, November 5th @ Winnipeg Jets