New Jersey Devils Daily: Huge Win Against Lightning, Gibbons, More
By Nick Villano
On today’s New Jersey Devils Daily, the team took it to the Tampa Bay Lightning and beat them in the shootout, Steve Santini proves he belongs and why I was wrong about Brian Gibbons.
The New Jersey Devils went into their only nationally televised game against the Tampa Bay Lightning rolling to a 4-1 record to start the year. Despite that, not many thought the team had much of a chance against their equally fiery opponent. The Devils ended the night a 5-4 winner after a shootout goal by Kyle Palmieri. CBS New York, which actualy gives the Devils some site space, looked into the game of high-powered offenses. Palmieri also scored a big goal, sniping it past Peter Budaj to tie it at two. It was a big night for the Devils top right winger.
Palmieri Goal Lifts Devils Past Lightning In Shootout
We always like to see the Devils from the opponents point of view, so we look at Tasha St. Pierre with FanSided’s Bolts By The Bay. What really stands out is the fact that nowhere in the article does she exclaim this as a bad loss because it’s against the Devils. In fact, credit is given in a big way just because St. Pierre says the Lightning shouldn’t change anything despite the loss. Both teams played their heart out, and the Devils just came out the winner.
Tampa Bay Lightning fall short against New Jersey Devils in shootout
Chris Ryan with NJ.com looks into the Devils new number one offensive pairing. Nico Hischier, Taylor Hall and Drew Stafford have been no short of amazing for the game and a half they’ve been together. Those three gave the Devils their best chances against the Lightning last night. Stafford scored two goals, and Nico was robbed of two others. This line also helps spread the wealth, with Kyle Palmieri’s scoring ability moving on the second line.
How Taylor Hall-Nico Hischier-Drew Stafford line clicked for Devils
Tyler Kelley with Pucks and Pitchforks looks at the stellar play of Steve Santini so far this year. He’s arguably been the best defenseman on the roster. While guys like Damon Severson and Andy Greene have been making mistakes, Santini has been a force on the back end. He’s constantly being paired against the best players on the other team, and delivering.
New Jersey Devils: Steven Santini Shows He Belongs
Finally, I have to admit I was wrong. Very wrong, in fact, about Devils forward Brian Gibbons. I killed him at the beginning of the season when he made the team. He seemed like the fourth liners of years past that would do nothing for the offense, but hopefully stop them on defense. After three goals to start the season, Gibbons belongs on this roster, and may make it the entire year.