Inconsistency has been the common theme for the New Jersey Devils.
The New Jersey Devils fell 4-3 in overtime to the New York Islanders.
The Devils’ struggling pattern continued early in the first frame. Brock Nelson scored just 1:23 into the first off a tip from Adam Pelech, beating Jake Allen top shelf.
A sloppy first period manifested in two penalties, numerous turnovers, and a lack of sustained time in the offensive zone.
The one bright spot? Captain Nico Hischier.
Hischier remained red hot, sniping a shot past Ilya Sorokin to tie the game up halfway through the first for his fifth goal in the last four games.
The Devils momentum did not last long. Anders Lee regained the lead with two seconds left on the penalty, capitalizing on the slashing call to Brenden Dillon and putting the Islanders up 2-1 heading into the second.
Tensions flared in the second period.
A huge hit from Kurtis MacDermid (who drew into the lineup for just the second time this season) on Alexander Romanov sparked a power play opportunity for the Devils. Allen came up huge, stopping two grade-A shorthanded chances.
Curtis Lazar rewarded Allen’s efforts, netting his first goal of the season off a perfectly timed pass behind the net from Paul Cotter.
Prudential Center was rocking for a brief stint in time.
However, the Islanders took the lead for the second consecutive time as former Devil Kyle Palmieri deflected the puck past Allen off a blast from Romanov.
Jack Hughes had a breakaway opportunity at the end of the period, and although he could not put one past Sorokin, he drew a tripping call, sending the Devils to the final frame on the man advantage.
Although unsuccessful, the Devils kept sustained pressure in the Islander’s zone, with Sorokin being the difference maker in keeping the Islanders ahead by one.
The Devils seemingly found their footing halfway through the third, creating chances and generating opportunities, but nothing was able to pass the brick wall that was Sorokin.
With the clock winding down, the Devils were relentless, eager to tie the game up.
They did just that.
Jesper Bratt netted his second goal of the season with just over a minute remaining, forcing the game to overtime.
Unfortunately, the Devils could not seal the deal.
A golden opportunity from Hischier early in the overtime period hit the crossbar, resulting in a loose puck that the Islanders corralled.
Mathew Barzal found Bo Horvat in the slot, who fired a one-timer past Allen, securing the win for the Islanders.
The Devils are currently riding a four-game losing streak and are looking to get back into the win column as they prepare to take on the Anaheim Ducks on Sunday, Oct. 27. Puck drop is set for 7 p.m.
