The New Jersey Devils played the Anaheim Ducks a few days after trading Taylor Hall to the Arizona Coyotes and they looked like a different team.
The New Jersey Devils are only a few days removed from trading away one of the best players in franchise history. They sent Taylor Hall to the Arizona Coyotes for three prospects and two draft picks. They had a few days to digest it, but the show must go on. He was a healthy scratch in his last two games with the organization and the Devils played well in those two games. They knew what to expect without him but this was their first real game without the trade cloud looming.
Things got off to a miserable start, but it was almost fitting based on how the season is going. Adam Henrique scored to make it 1-0 Ducks in the first period. Within minutes of their first game without Hall, Henrique scored which was just no fun for Devils fans. The Devils turned it on from that point forward and ended up getting the 3-1 win.
It was the Devils’ first win at home since November 23rd. It was their second win in a row overall, so this team is feeling good. Everyone knows that now that the trade is over, the Devils need the kids to take over. That happened in this win over the Ducks. Nico Hischier tied the game up early in the second period. Later in the game, up 2-1, Jack Hughes won a puck battle in the corner and made a phenomenal play to get Sami Vatanen the puck and he scored to make it 3-1. The Devils need these two to lead the way going forward and this game was a great start.
Kyle Palmieri had a goal in this game as well, extending his team lead in goals and points. Palmieri, Henrique, and Vatanen all played for both of these teams in their careers and all three of them scored in this game. It was an interesting development in the game but it is a good thing that the Devils came out on top of that one.
The Devils need these types of performances from Hischier, Hughes, and Palmieri going forward if they are going to string together some wins. They will have their next chance on Friday when the Eastern Conference-leading Washington Capitals come to The Rock. This is a big test for the Devils as they will play their third division leader in their last four games.