The New Jersey Devils faced off against the Minnesota Wild on Saturday evening and pulled out a 5-2 win at the Xcel Energy Center.
This game was crucial for the Devils, with the playoffs rapidly approaching. Not only that, but two big points were up for grabs. The Devils secured those two points and now only sit ten points away from clinching a playoff spot following the Islanders’ loss in Tampa earlier in the day.
The Devils came out strong, fast, and eager to pick up those points as they suffered a 4-0 loss the previous night against the Winnipeg Jets. Devils captain Nico Hischier opened up the first period just 29 seconds in, scoring the night’s first goal. Jesper Bratt picked up his 65th assist of the season, and Stefan Noesen (18) also picked up an assist on the Captain’s goal.
Paul Cotter scored his 16th goal of the season, putting the Devils up 2-0. His goal was assisted by Brian Dumoulin (20) and Nolan Foote (1). It was an excellent night for Brian Dumoulin, who aims to secure 20 points this season.
The Wild picked up their first goal of the night, 2-1, with roughly four minutes remaining in the first. Marcus Foligno scored the goal. The second period was scoreless for both teams.
As the third period commenced, Hischier scored his second goal of the night, putting the Devils ahead of the Wild by two goals. His goal went unassisted as Hischier was now on hat trick watch. The Wild fought back as Ryan Hartman scored two minutes after Hischier to cut the Minnesota deficit to 3-2.
Hischier completed the hat trick on the power play to make it 4-2 in favor of New Jersey. This was his second hat trick of the season, giving him a career-high in goals with 33. Luke Hughes (33) and Jesper Bratt (66) assisted on his career moment. Shortly after, Tomas Tatar closed the evening, scoring the night’s final goal, sealing the Devils’ 5-2 win over Minnesota.
On Monday, the New Jersey Devils will host the Minnesota Wild at the Prudential Center in New Jersey at 7 p.m. to end the home-and-home matchup.
