NJ Devils Go 1-1 In Back to Back

Ice Hockey, New Jersey Devils, Professional

December 11, 2023

The Devils held on for a third straight victory against the Calgary Flames, topping them 4-2 on Dec. 9.

Captain Nico Hischier and forward Jesper Bratt led the charge for the Devils, both having two point nights. Hischier found the back of the net twice, one in the second period and once in the third for the empty net goal. Bratt found the back of the net once, assisting on one of Hischier’s goals.

The game started off slow as majority of the first period was 0-0 until the last minute ex-Devil Yegor Sharangovich found the net on a shorthanded opportunity. Shots ended 13-6 with the Flames on top after the first.

The Devils came out with more momentum and tied the game just three minutes into the second period, courtesy of Hischier. With a little over seven minutes left, Bratt found the back of the net for his second point of the night.

The Devils maintained most of the pressure in the second period, they had almost double the amount of shots they had in the first while the Flames only had five. After 40 minutes of playing, the teams were locked at 18 shots each.

Alex Holtz put the team up 3-1 in the third after Timo Meier pressured the Flames hard. The Devils continued their play throughout the third until Flames forward Nazem Kadri pulled the Flames within one with five minutes left. The Flames pulled their goalie giving themselves a man advantage, but Hischier was able to seal the deal from behind the goal line putting the Devils up 4-2.

Vitek Vanecek had a strong showing in net as he stopped 23/25 shots tonight, giving himself a .920 save percentage.

The Devils continued their four-game road trip on Dec. 10 against the Edmonton Oilers where they lost 4-1.

Both teams entered the game on a tear, the Devils winning six of their last seven and the Oilers winning their last six. The Oilers now have made it to a seven-game win streak after defeating the Devils.

The Oilers do not lack starpower with Derek Ryan, Evan Bouchard, Connor McDavid and Evander Kane all finding a way to get the puck in the back of the net. Akira Schmid was strong in net for the Devils saving 26 out of 29 shots, despite the loss.

Red hot Bratt scored for the Devils and continued his impressive play. Hischier assisted on his goal as his play continues to shine since returning from injury.

Despite losing, the Devils played a decent game. The Oilers played a near perfect game having scored on the power play, 5v5, killed penalties and had an astounding defense game.

The Devils finished their four-game road trip 3-1 and will now make their way back to New Jersey to take on the Boston Bruins Wednesday night at 7:30 p.m.