Game Summary

The Devils concluded the second half of a back-to-back with two-points. It may not have been pretty, but it resulted in a win.

The scoring opened up with a Nico Hischier power play goal (video below), the fourth straight game in which he has found the back of the net. Carolina wasn’t able to crack Keith Kinkaid until the second period where a bizarre ricochet squeaked by him and tied the game at one. However, with four minutes left in the period, John Moore found Pavel Zacha, who buried the go-ahead goal.

 

 

In the third period, Carolina dominated most of the play and was able to tie the game. Jeff Skinner’s goal, which occurred with an extra attacker on the ice, sent the game to overtime. Ultimately, Hart Trophy candidate Taylor Hall scored with just 23-seconds left in the overtime period.

 

 

The final shot total for the game was 42-21 in favor of the Hurricanes. The winning goaltender was Keith Kinkaid who made 40-stops for the Devils. Cam Ward was on the losing end of things for Carolina.

Game Notes

• At 5-on-5 play tonight, the Devils were utterly dominated. The Hurricanes had a 60-27 advantage in shot attempts and a 17-6 advantage in high danger scoring chances. Luckily the Devils came away with a win. However, do not expect the wins to pile up if they get bombarded at even-strength on a regular basis.

 

• Goaltender Keith Kinkaid certainly came to play last night. This is the second time in as many games where he has posted a save percentage above .900. If he is able to build on these two performances, it’ll definitely aid the Devils in the long-run as Cory Schneider is still expected to miss more time with a groin injury.

 

• The Devils scored a power-play goal for the first time in six games. Before Nico Hischier’s first period goal, they were scoreless in their last sixteen attempts with the man-advantage. If they wish to continue holding a playoff position, the power-play must get back on track.

 

• The recent theme around Devils players recently has been streaks. Both Nico Hischier and Taylor Hall extended their respective streaks in this contest. As mentioned above, Hischier has scored a goal in four consecutive games while Hall extended his point streak to 18. It is great to see two forwards, who are so vital to the Devils’ success, continue to produce at a high level.

 

Next Devils Game: February 20^th, Home vs. Columbus