New Jersey Devils Get Huge Overtime Win In Pittsburgh
The New Jersey Devils in the second half of the back-to-back against the Pittsburgh Penguins came up with a big two points. This game was on the road where they have been stronger this season. Michael McLeod found himself back in the lineup for Nikita Gusev and Mackenzie Blackwood returned in the net while the defense stayed the same and both players had solid games.
The Good
The Devils only had three giveaways versus Saturday’s 22, which played a huge role in the win. The puck control needed to be better overall, and luckily it was on Sunday. It helped to keep high-danger chances away from Mackenzie Blackwood.
The top line finally got it going. It is hard to win without your top line or top six getting points. Getting the chances they did helped them scored the one goal they needed to get to overtime. It would have shown up more on the scoresheet most nights. Jesper Bratt had a fantastic chance early and has really built upon shooting the puck more which he really needs to do. His overtime goal was only his second on the season and he really needs to show himself as a scoring threat because he has the shot to do it. His give and go with Pavel Zacha in overtime was a thing of beauty. His setup on that wraparound was a thing to watch.
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Yegor Sharangovich had two posts and set the tempo early for the team with the Devils only real consistent line. His chemistry with Kuokkanen is really undeniable and they are such a bright spot in the lineup each night. It is great to see Yegor taking more shots again as well since that is the strongest part of his game.
McLeod got back in the lineup and added three hits. He had 0 giveaways and 1 takeaway which while small is one of the things you need from a bottom-six player. Players can’t slack on any shift in the NHL and have to bring something besides a few points. On top of this, he was the best in the faceoff circle at 71%, which is amazing to see from a young player.
The Bad
Mikhail Maltsev should have been on Crosby for the first goal while the defenders played the puck and the frontman but he was in front of the net and it was more of Sidney Crosby having such a high hockey IQ that made this a goal than anything. As far as effort goes the team was as a whole solid and didn’t have the massive mistakes of the game before so they should all be feeling good.