New Jersey Devils Finally Get A Win After Six Straight Losses

After over a month of horrific play, the New Jersey Devils have finally defeated a non-Flyers team. Even if it is the lowly Buffalo Sabres who are playing for draft picks, this was big for the team. The Devils came out fast and hard for a change. It was a dominating first period that was a big part of their success. While it was a pretty solid game overall the team needs to build on it and string together a few wins so they can at least build some confidence in a failing season.

The Good

The early powerplay goal was fantastic and the coaching staff finally seeing that having a big body in front of the net in Nathan Bastian is paying off. Bastian won the battle behind the boards, a battle they were always losing before, and the team got the puck back to Dougie Hamilton, who did what he does and scored his seventh goal of the season. The powerplay looked good on both attempts. While they still need to make a change, it is good that they are getting some points and confidence.

Jesper Bratt maintained his quick pace with a nice goal at a tough angle and had a three-point night while not being on the ice for any goals against. It really doesn’t seem to matter who he plays with at this point, he will succeed.

On the same point as Bratt, Jack Hughes had the same numbers and had a team-high six shots. He was a force all over the ice and it is so noticeable when these two players are on the ice versus anyone else on the team’s forward group. He easily could have had two or three goals. On his breakaway, the defender’s poke check definitely saved a goal with how much space Hughes had to shoot at.

Ty Smith had his first good game in a long time. While he only got one point, his puck control looked like the player from his rookie season with the poise of a veteran. As fans, we will just have to hope the break was what he needed and things sorted out but he will have a real test next game against the Oilers and their two big superstar forwards.

The Bad

The slow start and quick goal against in the second period turned the momentum around from a Devils dominant first period. Things could easily have got out of hand as they do too often for the Devils, but they did manage to survive it and go into the third all tied up.

Mackenzie Blackwood had another game with a sub .900 save percentage and it is becoming the norm for this season. He is no longer a young player growing into the role. At 25 years old, this should be his prime so it is time to start showing it.

The next game the Devils find themselves against the offensive juggernaut the Edmonton Oilers and this game has blowout written all over it if the Devils don’t come 100% ready the second the puck drops. Any defensive lapse will be in the back of the net. The defense will need their A-game and watching McDavid and Draisaitl will certainly be entertaining but hopefully not at the expense of the second and third pairings who will probably get obliterated if they are on the ice for long against them. The other key to success, while obvious, is to stay out of the penalty box. All Devils fans know this penalty kill can kill the team but the oilers are still running an insane 30% powerplay so even three penalties could easily result in three goals.