The New Jersey Devils turned a fantastic effort into two points against the Buffalo Sabres Tuesday night. After a loss to them started this rough stretch, this win hopefully ends it.
Hey guys, the New Jersey Devils won a game! And it was in regulation! This wonderful feeling has been fleeting for Devils fans over the last month. Since the start of 2018, the Devils have gone 2-6-2 prior to last night’s win.
The Devils struggles started on Friday, December 29th. The team was on a five-game winning streak. They were looking to make it six, when Taylor Hall made some magic happen. After giving up a two-goal lead, the Devils star was able to make a play happen by himself and score the go-ahead goal late in the third period.
However, the goal was waved off after replay review. I still don’t think there was enough evidence to overturn the goal, but the referees still made the decision. The Devils ended up losing that game in overtime.
A month later, the Devils play the Sabres again. With Hall returning from a hand injury, this team looked as good as it has all month. They were in the offensive zone for a majority of the game. Robin Lehner came into this game on a scorching hot streak, but the Devils were able to solve him.
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It was a familiar effort from the Devils. Every single line was fast and smooth when taking the ice. The penalty kill was perfect, despite losing the penalty battle 4-0. Miles Wood scored a goal thanks to his amazing speed. Hall scored a goal in his return with a beauty of a shot. Kyle Palmieri sealed it after stealing the puck and putting it in the empty net.
Of course, there had to be a replay review on Palmieri’s goal, but like everything else that night this went the Devils way.
This could be the turning point for the Devils. Next month, the Devils can really establish themselves in the Metropolitan Division. The team plays nine division games in the month of February. If they can win a majority of them, then it could give them a cushion in their playoff race.
Things feel different after last night’s win. It was all doom and gloom for fans going into the All-Star break. Now, there’s positivity. That can carry the Devils into the second half of the year.