Overview
For the second time in less than a week the New Jersey Devils matched up against the Florida Panthers. However, the outcome went in the Devils favor. New Jersey was in the second game of a back-to-back situation and emerged victorious, 4-2.
The team got goals from three players, and Mackenzie Blackwood shined in his return to game action. It was a breath of fresh air that the Devils found their way back into the win column.
Game Summary
First Period
The New Jersey Devils found themselves down early. Just under five minutes into the opening frame, Eric Staal pounced on a loose puck and chipped it past a stickless Mackenzie Blackwood.
Three minutes later, it was the Devils who tied the game and capitalized on the power play. Upon winning the face-off, Jesper Bratt slide a one-timed shot past Sergei Bobrovsky for the tying goal.
The two teams would continue to trade chances, but both goalies stood tall. As the horn sounded, the Devils would head to the period tied, but also suffered a blow. Ryan Graves sustained a lower-body injury and did not return.
Second Period
It would take almost the entire period, but the deadlock would finally be broken. Upon entering the zone on the power play, Sam Bennett slid a cross-ice pass to Eetu Luostarinen, who snapped a shot lower-blocker side.
As they have done all period long, each team generated some great chances, but it remained scoreless the rest of the way. Despite being down upon periods end, the Devils were the better team this period.
Third Period
The third period was all Devils. Just under three minutes into the opening frame, Jesper Bratt sniped a shot-glove side that tied the game.
Six minutes later, a Jonas Siegenthaler shot was deflected by Yegor Sharangovich. Mackenzie Blackwood would stand tall the rest of the way, and Tomas Tatar sealed the game shut with an empty net goal. As the horn sounded, the Devils secured the victory 4-2.
Wrap Up
The New Jersey Devils would go on to snap a six-game losing streak. Jesper Bratt scored two goals snapping a five-game scoreless drought. The Devils also got contributions from Yegor Sharangovich and Tomas Tatar.
Mackenzie Blackwood got his first victory in his return to game action.
Game Notes
- Mackenzie Blackwood was good in his return to game action. He finished with 2.01 goals saved above expected, a .943 save percentage, and a .917 save percentage in the high-danger area.
- Jesper Bratt scored two goals tonight. He snapped a five-game scoreless drought. Jack Hughes extends his point streak to four games as that line was rolling.
What’s Next?
The Devils return home Friday night In a matchup against the Boston Bruins.