New Jersey Devils: 3 Observations Against The Islanders
While most eyes in the sports landscape were focused on the NFL’s Conference Championship games, the New Jersey Devils showcased themselves against one of the league’s stingiest teams in the New York Islanders. Much was made about the lineup decisions that head coach Lindy Ruff with the lineup prior to the game. Fans were upset that Janne Kuokkanen was bumped up to Travis Zajac’s line and that Nick Merkley was inserted into the lineup for Jesper Boqvist. No matter the lineup decisions that Ruff made, the Devils’ top performers needed to perform. For the most part, that is exactly what happened. Here are some observations from the Devils’ 2-0 over the Islanders.
Scott Wedgewood
Scott Wedgewood was put in a tough position on Thursday night with little time to prepare as a starter due to Mackenzie Blackwood’s abrupt absence. It wouldn’t have mattered much any way, as he had little goal support or help around him.
Last night was much different. The team played confidently, they scored early goals and when called upon Wedgewood made shut the door when he needed to. He was particularly sharp in the 1st period, when the team found itself on an early penalty kill. Seeing how the penalty kill has struggled early on in the season, his key saves were a much needed boost. He made a great save on a one timer by Brock Nelson and a Jordan Eberle look in the slot.
Throughout the game Wedgewood was locked in as he made 28 saves in the game for the shutout. This is great for Devils fans knowing that Wedgewood could come in and give the team a chance to win when Mackenzie Blackwood isn’t starting.
Jack Hughes
Jack Hughes continues to impress. He looks confident in every aspect of the game. He is skating well with and without the puck, making good decisions and has been playing with the type of zest that made everyone fall in love with him as a prospect. He scored on a beautiful snipe on the power play. Last season, Hughes would have passed up on the shot and passed the puck. He has a deceptive shot, and we’re glad to see he wasn’t afraid to unleash it on that power play goal.
This is the Jack Hughes that we all wanted last season but are lucky enough to have right now. The season is young, but the sky is the limit if he continues to play with this much confidence.
Special Teams
Through the first four games of the season, the special teams have been a let down. Last night, the special teams was anything but. They only committed two penalties in the game. The Devils killed off both Islanders power plays (even if one came with six shots against). Plus, they scored on one of their two power play opportunities.
They made the simple plays on special teams. Hughes sniped a goal when he had a clear cut opportunity to shoot the puck on the power play, instead of one too many passes that has always plagued them. They minimized risk on the penalty kill by keeping shots outside and rebound opportunities.
This is the type of special teams performance that could give the team confidence moving forward.
The Devils rebounded from Thursday’s lackluster performance by playing nearly a complete game. They competed from start to finish. They were able to out Islander the Islanders with their stingy defense and elite goaltending from Wedgewood.
Nikita Gusev and Pavel Zacha made their presence felt after doing their best Houdini impression the first couple games of the season. Gusev’s nifty move and shot on goal created a goal for Zacha who pounced on the rebound.
Next. 3 Things To Expect From Devils This Season. dark
Ty Smith continues to shine as he assisted on another two goals. The season is only a few games old, but it is encouraging to see them play the way they are. They are holding leads, Hughes is scoring and they compete from start to finish. It won’t always be pretty, but let’s enjoy the ride.