The New Jersey Devils pulled out a miraculous win over the Edmonton Oilers on Thursday night in Alberts. Of course, Edmonton is higher on a lot of analyst’s power rankings, but the Devils found a way to get it done.
However, it wasn’t easy, as New Jersey was down 3-1 in the third period. Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl each had a goal to help the Oilers get out to that lead. It looked like the Devils’ win streak was going to end.
Miles Wood had other ideas, however. He had that first Devils goal from when the score was 3-1, but then he made it 3-2 just over a minute into the third period. From there, the Devils started to get their legs going again.
At 16:45 of the third period, Ryan Graves finally tied it. It felt like it was coming at some point, but the clock was beginning to work against them.
Seven seconds later, a stretch pass sent Jesper Bratt on his way. He scored to give the Devils their first lead of the night. They had just three minutes to clamp down and keep the Oilers from tying it. They did and earned their fifth win in a row. They are now 8-3-0.
Jesper Bratt’s game-winner is significant in New Jersey Devils’ history.
This game-winning goal by Bratt is an incredible feat in New Jersey Devils’ history. By scoring that goal, he earned a point in his 11th straight game to begin the year, which is a franchise record. That is just magnificent.
At this point, it is hard to argue against Bratt being among the franchise’s best draft picks. He is truly sensational, especially for a 6th rounder. Over that 11-game point streak, he has five goals and 12 assists for 17 points. This leads the team in scoring.
Another wrinkle to the game is the injury to Mackenzie Backwood. Vitek Vanecek had to come in with the Oilers on the power play, and he gave up a goal on the first shot he saw. It was a power-play goal for Draisaitl.
After that, he shut it down and made 18 straight saves. It was an incredible night for him in relief, especially with the way he was forced to start. He deserves some shine for this comeback win as well.
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Bratt and the Devils will close out this Western Canadian road trip on Saturday night against the Calgary Flames. They have a chance to sweep the road trip that many would have been okay with taking two of three. We’ll see if they can pull it off!