The New Jersey Devils finally ended their longest losing streak of the season. Damon Severson’s two goals took away all hope from the New York Islanders.
New Jersey Devils head coach John Hynes has the propensity to sit players during cold stretches, while letting others slide. This act causes some fans to lose their mind with the coach. He will sit players that clearly can help the team win, like he did last night with Blake Coleman.
While we don’t agree with the act, it seems like almost every time the player comes out of the benching better than before.
Damon Severson is the latest player to do just that. He was outstanding Tuesday night against the New York Islanders. Looking past the offense for just a second, he was part of a defensive unit that overwhelmed the Islanders. They took advantage of a tired team by winning board battles, keeping pucks in the offensive zone and showed a great forecheck and backcheck.
Todd Correll with Hockey Buzz details just how good Severson was on both ends of the ice.
Led by the Wood - Zacha - Palmieri line, the Devils had a really strong night at 5v5. Severson led the charge on defense in more than one way. pic.twitter.com/Ab7VY64e1E
— Todd Cordell (@ToddCordell) January 17, 2018
Now, let’s take a look at Severson’s two goals.
His first goal was just an overall beautiful play. Stefan Noesen hits the perfect forecheck on Nick Leddy to steal the puck at the boards. He passed it to Brian Gibbons who attempted to take a shot, but was demolished by Shane Prince. The puck hit off of Ryan Pulock and caromed right to a pinching Severson. He grabbed the puck in mid-air and roofed it past Jaroslav Halak.
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That goal gave the Devils the lead for good, but he wasn’t done.
Less than 90 seconds later, Severson was on the board again. This time, he rocketed a one-time pass from Ben Lovejoy. Both shots showed the pure accuracy coming off Severson’s stick.
Next time Hynes has to sit someone to send a message, he needs to keep Severson’s name out of his mouth. He proved last night exactly what he can do on a nightly basis. There’s a reason he was given a contract extension in the offseason. He has the upside to one day be the team’s best defenseman.