The New Jersey Devils after two wins put up a solid effort but came up just short against the now division-leading Pittsburg Penguins. The team put up a solid effort and should be proud of that as a whole, but some of the same things that always are prevalent in Devils games continue to be a problem. On top of this, they also continue to have bad luck as Jesper Bratt is now out with an injury. It’s bad timing since the Devils just got Jack Hughes back.
The Good
Jon Gillies had a good game. It is nice to see a Devils goaltender with an above .900 save percentage. He also made some massive saves when the Pens had all the momentum when the game was tied. Gillies was also phenomenal on the penalty kill. Goaltending has sunk the team this season, but it certainly didn’t on Sunday.
As usual, the fourth line was solid and had a combined 10 hits registered. In reality, they had a lot more. As the Devils broadcast team pointed out, Geertsen had 5 hits in the first period, and as we all saw he landed more. It is what it is and we all know they were even tougher to play against than this. It is also worth noting that Geertsen was just as noticeable in a positive way in five minutes as most players not playing with Jack Hughes. While Devils fans make jokes about him and yes he is not a full-time NHLer, we still should give him credit for playing tough and with heart.
The entire defense had a better-than-average game, but P.K. Subban deserves a special shoutout for that 2013 style rush. He turned back the clock on that shift and it was impressive and fun to watch. The team very nearly scored but it was ruled no goal due to goaltender interference. The entire play was thanks to Subban’s speed and hands. Hopefully, other teams were watching because seeing this a few more times makes him a valuable trade piece.
Jesper Boqvist didn’t have a point this afternoon but he had been pretty good lately racking up 7 points in the last ten games. He was however at least noticeable again which is quite the turn from a guy labeled as an AHLer or a bust to playing at an NHL level. This is however the best chance the team will have to move him and they should jump on it before he regresses. While the argument will be he is finally hitting his stride the Devils can’t afford to take that chance.
The Bad
Pavel Zacha rumors continue up in Canada and apparently, Vancouver is interested in the 24-year-old forward. The Devils need to get this done now. The guy can barely pass the puck or receive it with little pressure on him. He missed Hughes’ pass in the offensive zone was the final nail in the coffin this game. He got off to a hot start but since then once again has gone invisible, only being noticed in two or three bad plays a game. This team needs to move him fast.
The team continues to get too little from the middle of the lineup and guys like Tatar and Mercer need to start making more of an impact. especially with other players injured. Mercer has started to get some jump back in his step but the NHL is a tough long season and it has just taken its toll on the young man. As for Tatar, he is a veteran who has no real excuse and just continues to disappoint.
Up next the Devils have the Tampa Bay Lightning before facing the Penguins again in what are without a doubt two tough games and likely losses. Regardless of the outcome, the team just needs to show a lot of fight, play a heavy game, and hopefully, those who will be here long-term continue to thrive.