It’s been pure domination for the New Jersey Devils.
After two statement wins over the reigning Stanley Cup champions, the New Jersey Devils (12-6-2) will look to continue their Florida sweep as they take on the Tampa Bay Lightning (8-6-1).
The star players keep showing up for the Devils.
Jesper Bratt netted his second career hat trick following the win against the Panthers, bringing his points up to 24 (8G, 16A) and averaging a point-per-game. Bratt netted an even-strength, power play, and short-handed goal, joining Devils’ legends John MacLean and Peter Stastny as the only players in the Devils franchise to score that trifecta of goals in one game.
Assisting on Bratt’s first goal was Jack Hughes, who continues his dominant performance with ten points in his last five games.
Another bright spot for the Devils is Stefan Noesen, who returned to Jersey after a stint with the Carolina Hurricanes. Noesen scored twice in the second game against the Panthers, and is at nine goals thus far this season, nearly matching his career high of 14.
The Devils goaltending tandem has been excellent. Both Jacob Markstrom and Jake Allen got the nod in net, each boasting phenomenal save percentages at .908 and .916, respectively.
For Tampa, Nikita Kucherov continues to be unstoppable, as he has at least a point in his last five games and leads the Lightning in goals and assists.
Recently appointed captain Victor Hedman has been a solid force for Tampa’s defenseman core with three goals and eleven assists. The strong back end is backed by goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy, who holds a .913 save percentage.
The Devils’ newfound physicality will be a factor in sparking momentum against an aggressive Lightning team.
Captain Nico Hischier will look to lead his team to a three-game Florida sweep as the Devils face off against the Lightning on Saturday, Nov. 16. Puck drop is set for 7 p.m.
