Prior to their game against the Calgary Flames on Thursday night, the New Jersey Devils were 30-0-2 when leading after two periods. So, when the Devils went into the third period with a two-goal lead, most Devils fans felt pretty confident about the final result. Then, for whatever reason, the Devils simply decided to stop playing the sport of hockey.
Paul Cotter makes a nice play with less than a minute to go in the second period to put the Devils up by two goals against a team that is fighting for its playoff life. The momentum was in the Devils' hands on home ice and within the first 30 seconds of the third period it was all gone. Overall, the Devils were outshot 15-4 in the third period and two of those shots ended up in the back of the net very quickly, setting the tone for the rest of the game.
While the Devils were getting hemmed in their own zone consistently, Sheldon Keefe sent out the Devils' fourth line which included Kurtis MacDermid. MacDermid, who had less than four minutes of ice time the entire game, was on the ice while Calgary had all the momentum. MacDermid provided the perfect screen on his own goalie and things crumbled. That made it 3-2, but it rattled Jacob Markstrom, who was playing well prior to that.
Daniil Miromanov scored his first goal since November 15th, adding to the stigma that if you want to break out of your slump, just play the Devils. Jonathan Huberdeau scored exactly a minute later, and the Devils were handed their first regulation loss in 33 games when leading after two periods.
Devils' third period collapse showcases more than just a one-night problem
Losing on home ice should not happen most nights. Losing when you are up by two goals at any point should not happen most nights. Losing a game at home, when up by two heading into the third, and giving up four goals in the final frame should never happen. Ever.
Where do the Devils go from here? For starters, Jake Allen has to be the starter going forward. It is clear that Jacob Markstrom is not fully healthy. Prior to the injury earlier in the year, he was a borderline Vezina candidate. At this point, he is completely unplayable. The Devils cannot lose many more games this season.
The next thing that needs to happen is that Kurtis MacDermid never wears a New Jersey Devils uniform again. He provides nothing offensively or defensively. He is there purely for fighting purposes, which he did not do this evening. When you are already shorthanded forward wise, having someone play consistently less than four minutes a night providing nothing across the board is a waste of time when you could give a younger player and over working your top players.
While their chances of making the playoffs are high, there is still a chance the Devils could miss the post season. After the performance in the third period Thursday night, this team does not deserve to compete for the Stanley Cup. While they are missing Jack Hughes, Dougie Hamilton, and Jonas Siegenthaler, good teams do not make excuses.
Thursday night, there was no excuse. The New Jersey Devils simply gave up. Now that it is crunch time, any more repeat performances will make the final 12 games unwatchable. While the Devils have one of the easiest remaining schedules, they will make it anything but.
For some reason, this team makes things harder on themselves. This is now year eight of this rebuild, you would think they would be able to handle adversity. They seem to seek it out whenever things are good. Playing well? Play with less intensity and consistently turn the puck over in your own zone. If this game is not a wake up call, don't even bother showing up for the playoffs.
If you can survive to make it there.