The New Jersey Devils won a tough game against a tough Carolina Hurricanes team in Carolina. They needed a win in the worst way and they pulled it off.
The New Jersey Devils knew a win against a good Carolina Hurricanes team would go a long way after being defeated by the Philadelphia Flyers the night before. They did just that beating the Hurricanes 5-3. The Devils were able to grab the lead in the third period on a goal by P.K. Subban and actually hold on to win the game. It was a great game, and hopefully it is a sign of things to come.
One major change in the lineup was Wayne Simmonds going to play on the fourth line with Kevin Rooney and Miles Wood. That choice was met with mixed reactions, but it seems to have been the right move. Miles Wood had a goal and set up the Subban game-winner, while Simmonds and Rooney each collected an assist while doing their part. That might be something to stick with if you are John Hynes, as that could be an effective line if they play like that with regularity. There were times where they got caught in their own zone but if they can eliminate those times it might be good for the team.
The future foundation of the Devils lies within Nico Hischier and Jack Hughes, both of which scored in the game against Carolina. It was the first time in team history that both Hischier and Hughes scored in the same game and hopefully, there is a lot more where that came from. These two are both really starting to heat up and it is so great to see. They need them to keep this up in order to climb out of the standings hole they dug themselves into.
One negative from this game is that Jesper Bratt left the game with an injury. That could be a major problem for the Devils because he has been very strong so far this season. Bratt scores goals, makes nice plays, and he has the ability to play up and down the lineup. Hopefully, it is nothing serious and can get back in the lineup as soon as possible.
They finally got the results in a game that they played well and made it where they took three out of a possible four points over the weekend. They are now quietly gaining a bit of steam but people don’t seem to realize it. There is still a lot of work to be done but they are 3-1-2 in their last six games. they have played well at even strength, killed all but two penalties, and scored at least one power-play goal in each of those six games.
They are back at it on Tuesday when they visit the great white north for a tilt with the Winnipeg Jets. This road trip is a chance for them to gain some more confidence and get rolling.