Writer’s Twitter: @ChrisMottHockey
Recap
The New Jersey Devils came into this contest after an upsetting loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins the night before looking to win at home. The Rock was packed on Hockey Fights Cancer Night, and the Devils did not leave the fans disappointed. While many fans have opinions about what is wrong with the team and how they can salvage the season, it all starts in any scenario with getting a win.
The Devils came out with good energy to start the game and were generating chances. Detroit ultimately scored the first goal of the contest, which would prove to be their only goal and came in the second period. The Devils would respond shortly after with a goal from Kyle Palmieri to tie the game at 1 apiece in the second period, as well. The rest of the game saw Devils fans enjoy the work put forth by goaltender Louis Domingue in his first start with the Devils since being acquired from Tampa Bay. The game would remain tied at 1 until the start of the 3rd period.
When the final frame started, I am not quite sure who took the ice against Detroit because it was not the same Devils’ team I have watched the first two periods of this game and in previous contests. This team was generating chance after chance and not only dictating but dominating the play and flow of the game. Towards the 15 minute mark of the 3rd period, I am saying to myself:
…..who is this team on the ice this period? This is not the Devils. Now yes we will pump the breaks a little bit do not worry; I am fully aware this was against the Detroit Red Wings. But it still felt like I was watching a completely different team in the 3rd period.
Will Butcher would score the second goal for New Jersey after putting the puck towards the net and it bouncing off a Red Wings’ skate. The goal was initially called off, as the officials believed Palmieri had kicked the puck in the net, but it was reversed after review. Blake Coleman would later score to make it 3-1, followed by Taylor Hall’s empty-net goal to make it 4-1. Coleman would also add one more goal for good measure to make the final score 5-1; though his goal was not an empty-net goal.
Hold your breath Devils fans, Taylor Hall is technically on a 2 game goal-scoring streak….and the Devils dominated the 3rd period and held a lead. All in all, the result was great as was the effort by the team, especially in the 3rd period. But now it is time to take that level of play into the next game and against stronger teams. Highlights from the game can be found below and the Devils next game will be Tuesday, Nov. 26 at 7PM ET against the Minnesota Wild at The Rock on MSG+.
Final Score, Stats, and Highlights
| Devils | vs | Red Wings |
| 5 | Score | 1 |
| 34 | Shots | 20 |
| 25 (47.2%) | Faceoffs | 28 (52.8%) |
| 0 for 4 | Power Play | 0 for 4 |
| 28 | Hits | 27 |
First Star – Kyle Palmieri (1 Goal +3)
Second Star – Louis Domingue (Win, 1 GA, .950 Save %)
Third Star – Will Butcher (1G, GWG)