Despite an impressive and dominant effort from the New Jersey Devils, the Toronto Maple Leafs came into town and took the win in overtime, 2-1.
The Devils came out firing in the first period, dominating the Toronto Maple Leafs and putting 16 shots on net. Devils’ goaltender Jacob Markstrom had an easy opening frame as he only placed one shot.
The score remained 0-0 throughout the first 20 minutes. Neither team was able to have any success on their respectful power play units.
The Devils opened up the second period on a power play, but were unsuccessful despite being the number one ranked power play team in the league. Continuing their surge into the second period, the Devils threw three more shots on net before Ondrej Palat converted for the Devils and put them up 1-0 eight minutes into the period. This was the second time in 11 games the Devils scored first in the game.
The Devils impressive level of play did not let up as they finished the second period with 25 shots, compared to Toronto’s six shots.
Toronto managed to get a shorthanded goal past Markstrom with just about 10 minutes to play in the third to tie the game 1-1.
New Jersey and Toronto both grabbed one point and headed to 3-on-3 overtime. Unfortunately for the Devils, their luck ran out as Auston Matthews scored the overtime winner. Toronto left New Jersey with two points.
Despite losing, the Devils should feel good about their game. They dominated play and were firing from all angles. They ran into a good goalie, Anthony Stolarz, who stopped every shot that came his way. Stolarz ended the night with a save percentage of .974%.
The Devils special teams were not as successful as they have been recently. They went 0/4 on the powerplay, which is rare for the number one ranked power play in the league. They also allowed one short-handed goal, the game-tying goal. They did successfully kill off three of Toronto’s penalties.
Depth scoring has to improve for the Devils if they look to continue being successful and one of the top teams in the league.
The Devils will continue their homestand this Thursday against the LA Kings. Puck drop is at 7 p.m. ET.
