New Jersey Devils: Multiple Losing Streaks End Against New York Islanders
By Nick Villano
The New Jersey Devils finally added to the win column in 2018 against the New York Islanders. It ended multiple losing streaks all at the same time.
Ladies and gentlemen, the New Jersey Devils finally won a game in 2018. In an overwhelming performance against the New York Islanders, the Devils were able to control the game and take home a 4-1 victory.
So many losing streaks ended Tuesday night, but most importantly was the Devils six game losing streak. This team hasn’t won since beating the Detroit Red Wings on December 27th. It was almost three weeks between wins (thanks in part to the bye week). The streak seemed like it was never ending.
The Devils really needed this game. In four of the past six games, the Devils had leads that were blown. It was hard to believe in this team when it couldn’t hold on to any lead.
That all changes with one win. Sure, the Isles were coming off an overtime win the night before, but nothing can take away from ending this losing streak.
However, that wasn’t the only streak that was snapped Tuesday night.
Keith Kinkaid ended his own losing streak. He hasn’t recorded a win since November 25th. Head coach John Hynes seemed like he lost faith in his backup. He was starting Cory Schneider on back-to-back games. Now, Kinkaid proved he could move past his recent woes.
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That wasn’t the only streak Kinkaid was able to end. Prior to this game, he was 0-3-2 against the Islanders. This will usually go on as a coincidence, but being this was Kinkaid’s hometown team, it meant a little more. Coming in with an .892 save percentage against the team formerly on Long Island, it means a lot to put one in the win column.
The Devils themselves have been terrible since the Islanders moved to Brooklyn. The Devils came into this game 0-4-1 on the Islanders home ice since the 2015-16 season. It’s a weird stat that doesn’t have a ton of credence since this improved Devils team hasn’t played them on the road prior to this game, but ending all losing streaks help.
This game puts a lot of negativity in the rear view mirror. Let’s hope this turns into a win streak.