The New Jersey Devils got back in the win column Friday night as they took down the Columbus Blue Jackets by a score of 4-1. The Devils won due to a second period outburst where they netted 4 goals past Blue Jackets goaltender, Elvis Merzlikins. The Devils played a solid game overall and were also aided by some great goaltending from Vitek Vanecek. This was a much-needed win for a Devils team who had lost their previous 4 out of 5 games.
Vitek Vanecek Was Terrific
There is no secret that this has been a season Vitek Vanecek wants to forget. But, in his first start in six games, the Czech Goaltender was dominant.
Vanecek gave up a goal on the first shot he faced on an absolute snipe by Blue Jackets forward Cole Sillinger. Vanecek didn't let the phase him as he stopped the next 29 shots he faced finishing the night making 29 out of 30 Saves. Vanecek finished with a .967 Save percentage which is the highest he has posted in a game all season. Vanecek ended the game with a +2.06 Goals Saved Above Expected according to, MoneyPuck.
This performance by Vanecek could boost his confidence going forward this season. The Devils could use more games like this from Vanecek in the rest of the season.
Alexander Holtz Stays Hot
Not many expected Devils Forward Alexander Holtz to have the type of impact he has had this season for the Devils. The former 7th Overall Pick by the Devils in the 2020 NHL Draft keeps on producing offensively as he has scored in 3 of his last 4 games. Alexander Holtz currently leads all Devils players in goals and points per 60 Minutes at 5v5 this season.
The Swedish forward netted the game-winning goal in Friday night's win with a great tap-in off a great pass by Devils defenseman Cal Foote. Despite being slotted on the 4th line once again, Holtz finished the game with 13:04 of ice time which is a big improvement from the previous game against Montreal where he only got 8:07 of ice time.
An argument can be made that Holtz deserves more ice time as he has stepped up big time in the absence of Jack Hughes who is dealing with an upper-body injury. But Holtz keeps on being put on the 4th line every game as of late which has led to a lot of people questioning Devils Head Coach Lindy Ruff. If Holtz keeps on playing like this, he will find his way into the Devils' top six forward group real soon.
Cal Foote Looks Solid
Defenseman Cal Foote played in his second game as a Devil Friday night. The brother of Devils Forward Nolan Foote (who is currently dealing with an injury) has looked impressive in his first two games on the main roster. With the Devils dealing with so many injuries on the blue line, they are going to need guys to step up and Cal Foote has done just that.
Throughout his first two games as a Devil, Cal has averaged over 14 Minutes of ice time giving the Devils quality minutes in the bottom defense pairing with Kevin Bahl. Cal Foote has looked strong defensively as he has 7 blocked shots and has given the Devils some good minutes on the Penalty Kill in these two games. Foote also showed his offensive touch in the second period of Friday's game when he made a beautiful pass to Alexander Holtz for an easy tap-in which ended up being the game-winning goal.
Cal Foote is not here on the main roster to make headlines. He is here to give the Devils quality minutes, play solid defense, and not make any crucial mistakes. He has been everything the Devils could want in his first two games with the squad. If he keeps on playing a well-rounded defensive game, he may just earn a spot on the team going forward this season.
The Devils are right back in action as they host the Dallas Stars on Saturday night. The Devils are 1-7-1 in the second half of back-to-back games this season, so the Devils look to change their fortunes.
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