The Devils find themselves back in the win column after a strong performance vs former teammate Tomáš Tatar and the Kraken for a 3-1 victory.
First Period
It was mainly quiet for the first period, until the Devils had the chance to score on a power play— and score they did. A beautiful play drawn up by none other than the first power play unit, not to mention the first power play goal the Devils have scored in their last 23 tries.
Scoring early certainly boosted the team’s confidence, but it was all up to them to hold onto that confidence for the remainder of the game.
After the first period, Devils report Erika Wachter grabbed Tyler Toffoli for a first intermission interview. Toffoli mentioned that he was glad that line could finally convert on the power play, and he was happy to finally get one in the back of the net. He also credited goalie Nico Daws for a strong first period, saying he made some great saves.
The Devils have infamously been known for giving up important leads within seconds and breaking down quickly, but in this game that didn’t seem to be the case.
Second Period
The highlight of the second period was of course, Jack Hughes. Finally back from injury, he got a chance to be a known playmaker once more.
As per usual, he worked his magic and scored a goal that seemed unimaginable. After a connecting pass from Erik Haula, Hughes lifted the puck quickly and nimbly. It bounced off Kraken goalie Joey Daccord’s helmet and into the net.
This is not the first time Hughes has scored a goal like this. He pulled this move against the Pittsburgh Penguins during COVID, then again against the Bruins in March of 2022, a third time vs the Washington Capitals as part of his hat trick, and a fourth time against the Detroit Red Wings on opening night this season. Hughes is known for making moves like this, and that’s what makes him such a uniquely talented player. This kind of goal tonight brought the Devils up to 2-0 lead.
Everyone knows that a two-goal lead in hockey is always dangerous, but thanks to Dawson Mercer, Devils fans didn’t have to worry so much about that. Mercer was able to score a great goal off a rebound from a close chance by Timo Meier. Mercer has certainly proven to be a net-front guy, as he’s scored multiple goals like that— one was even for a hat trick. The Devils were feeling super confident as they were then holding a 3-0 lead.
They thought that lead had changed to 4-0 thanks to Šimon Nemec, but unfortunately the goal was called back due to a successful challenge by Seattle head coach Dave Hakstol for goaltender interference. The interference was from Haula trying to get by and accidentally running into Daccord.
Minutes later, Yanni Gourde gets a chance on a breakaway, but Daws comes up with the save. That chance was Seattle’s first shot on goal for that entire period, which was 17 and a half minutes in.
The Devils then went on a quick penalty kill, which included a last minute save from Tomáš Nosek on his hands and knees right in front of the net.
Erika Wachter spoke with Mercer after the second period. Mercer said Daws was playing “a hell of a game”, supportive as always. He added that the team was playing with speed, and that they needed to make sure they played smart to hold the lead.
Third Period
At this point, the Devils are completely dominating, all things considered. Just when they thought it was game over, Seattle got one back, and cut the lead to 3-1, robbing Daws of his desperately wanted shutout. That goal was scored by Will Borgen, assisted by Jordan Eberle and Jared McCann.
The score stayed 3-1 until the final horn sounded. Seattle pulled their goalie for a last minute chance, but to no avail. The Devils took this one from them, and rightfully so.
Seattle was getting frustrated, and it was visible on the ice. Thankfully, the Devils were able to keep their composure and remain disciplined.
Post Game Reflection
As disciplined as they were, they still got sloppy toward the end of the game. The Devils’ biggest problem is playing the full 60 minutes of hockey. Even though the majority of the game was good, there were still little bits and pieces of noticeable defensive breakdowns. Granted, not every team can play a perfect full 60 minutes, and a big part of that is having a goalie who can bail you out when those defensive plays get sloppy. Thankfully, Daws was able to show up and do that for the Devils tonight. Overall, a decent performance all around the ice. However, there it always room for improvement.
The Devils are now currently four points out of a Wild Card spot. Can they remain healthy and keep playing as a team— and is this team playoff worthy?
If they can keep making plays similar to tonight’s, the future could be big for them, and for the fans.
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