Tuesday, the New Jersey Devils fell to the Winnipeg Jets 4-2, ending their five-game win streak. Former Devil Dawson Mercer scored two goals, including the game-winner, to seal the win for the Jets.
Recap
First Period
The Devils came out hot to begin the game, but it only took the Jets one chance to put them ahead. Former Devil Dawson Mercer worked his way into a shooting lane and fired a puck by Jake Allen. His second goal with the Jets made it 1-0 early.
Things didn’t get better for New Jersey. After two penalties in 14 seconds, the Devils found themselves down two men. The Jets converted on a Kyle Connor sharp-angle shot, and all of a sudden, it was 2-0. New Jersey couldn’t convert on a power play to end the period and headed into the locker room down two goals.
Second Period
The Devils found their footing in the second period, and the goals soon followed. Arseny Gritsyuk made a fantastic no-look pass, and Jesper Bratt beat former Devils goalie Nico Daws to put New Jersey on the board.
Then, just 44 seconds later, Jonathan Kovacevic fired a shot on goal, and Cody Glass deflected it by Daws. In the blink of an eye, the Devils tied it. The rest of the period was status quo, and New Jersey went into the third period tied at two.
Notablt Kovacevic left the game in this frame with what appeared to by a lower-body injury.
Third Period
The Devils came out looking flat in the third. They were constantly playing defense in their own end, and eventually, the poor play led to a penalty. The Devils let Alex Iafallo behind the defense, and he found Dawson Mercer with a wide-open net. His second of the game gave the Jets the lead with just eight minutes remaining.
The Jets’ defense tightened up and limited the Devils’ opportunities when they pulled Allen. Kyle Connor put it in the empty net to seal up a Jets win.
Game Notes
Special Teams Struggles
The Devils’ special teams struggled once again in the loss to the Jets. The penalty kill gave up two goals, while the power play failed to score once on four attempts. This hasn’t been new for New Jersey. The penalty kill now sits 29th in the NHL at 67.6%, while the power play is 23rd in the league at 19%.
The good news is they are due for positive regression. The penalty kill is fourth in the NHL in expected goals against per 60, and the power play is seventh in expected goals for per 60. If the Devils’ special teams find their rhythm, there isn’t much stopping this team.
Hughes’ Point Streak
Jack Hughes’ assist Tuesday brought his point streak up to six games. He now sits at 26 points and has 10 points in his last five games. You can tell he’s really feeling it right now.
What’s Next
The Devils head back home to take on the Capitals on Thursday at 7:00 pm ET.