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New Jersey Devils: Another Bad Overtime Performance Leads To Loss

By Vincent Parise

NEWARK, NEW JERSEY - JANUARY 12: Nikita Gusev #97 of the New Jersey Devils in action against the Tampa Bay Lightning at Prudential Center on January 12, 2020 in Newark, New Jersey. The Devils defeated the Lightning 3-1. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
NEWARK, NEW JERSEY - JANUARY 12: Nikita Gusev #97 of the New Jersey Devils in action against the Tampa Bay Lightning at Prudential Center on January 12, 2020 in Newark, New Jersey. The Devils defeated the Lightning 3-1. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /
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The New Jersey Devils need to figure things out in the overtime period if they want to get better as an overall team anytime soon.

The New Jersey Devils were thoroughly average against the Los Angeles Kings on Saturday night. They were tied 1-1 after three periods of play, and it was almost 100 percent thanks to goaltender MacKenzie Blackwood. He has been amazing over the past few weeks. Statistically, he was one of the best goalies in the entire National Hockey League during the month of February. Despite his attempted heroics, the Devils poor overtime play led to another loss.

They started the overtime with Pavel Zacha, Nikita Gusev and Damon Seversion. That trio was pretty much hemmed in their own zone the entire time. Adrian Kempe eventually sniped one past Blackwood, who was under siege since regulation ended. It seemed to be inevitable as the Devils were never even able to make a full line change. If they are ever going to be a good team, they need to shore up their play in the 3-on-3 sessions.

It could be coaching, personnel, or a mix of both, but something has to give. After their two most recent games, the emphasis should be placed on winning in overtime even more. They lost in the extra session to the San Jose Sharks on Thursday night before losing to Los Angeles Saturday. In both overtime periods, the team looked awful on the opposition’s game-winning play.

One duo who stood out in regulation was the Jesper Bratt and Nikita Gusev duo. Those two look amazing lately when they are in the offensive zone. Nikita Gusev has been on an absolute tear this month as he continues to stock up points. He is the type of guy that you hope has earned the right to remain with the Devils for a long time. It would be nice to see him sign an extension right when he is eligible.

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The Devils only have to take a short trip down the road to play the Anaheim Ducks Sunday night. The Ducks are right near the Devils in the overall league standings so this should be a really fun game. Hopefully, if this game goes to overtime something changes for the road team. This is a chance to quickly forget about what happened in their game against the Kings.

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