The New Jersey Devils had an opportunity on Tuesday night. The Colorado Avalanche were on the road on the second half of a back-to-back. They just lost to the Philadelphia Flyers, the worst team to start the season. Now, with tired legs, they were facing one of the best motor teams in the league and one that will have you skating for miles all night.
And it started off exactly as physics would make you think. The Devils held a 15-4 shot advantage in the first intermission and a 32-13 shot advantage in the second intermission. We’ve seen those shot advantages before this season, but at least this time, the Devils held the lead.
In the third period, the Colorado Avalanche did not play like a team in the second half of a back-to-back. They took 21 shots, more than they took in the first and second periods combined. The Avalanche made an attempt to break the Devils’ lead, but their third goal came with under five seconds left, leaving them just short.
The Devils won the game 4-3. They got goals from a returning Luke Evangelista, Declan Chisholm, Arseny Gritsyuk, and an empty-netter by Jesper Boqvist. That empty-netter ended up being important, as that goal was the game-winner.
It was a big night for the Devils, who were coming off a rough loss to the Washington Capitals. Scott Wedgewood was in net, and he has a history of stealing games against his former team. On this night, the Devils survived him as well. Maybe he was just mad at Tom Fitzgerald for putting him on waivers all those years ago.
The New Jersey Devils got themselves an important win against the Colorado Avalanche
The Devils started the night by celebrating Jake Allen for playing 500 games. He got the start and played very well. Despite allowing those two late goals, he made some incredible saves all night. He stonewalled multiple Avs stars, and his numbers should be better as the last goal came with basically no time left.
Getting a good game from Allen was important. The Devils need competence from their goalies, and this was even better than that. Allen does have to get better at controlling his rebounds and holding onto the puck, but this was a very good start to move the team along.
And the defense played much better as well. There were reports of practice focusing on closing space and getting a little more physical to get to loose pucks and gain positioning in front of the net. There were fewer screens in front of Allen, and they were getting to pucks and causing turnovers.
Overall, the Devils should be thrilled with the final result. Everything is coming up Devils in this one.
Add us as a preferred source on Google