Last night the New Jersey Devils took on the Ottawa Senators for a close game at the Prudential Center. The Senators came out on top, ending what could’ve been a long losing streak. The final score was 3-2, and the Senators returned the win to Ottawa.
The first period was simply uneventful. Two tripping penalties were given less than halfway through the game, one to Shane Pinto of the Senators, and one to Nico Hischier of the Devils. A few minutes later, at 12:26 Johnathan Kovacevic of the Devils served a two-minute penalty for a delay of game. Despite the physicality on the ice, the game remained scoreless as both teams attempted to put a goal on the board. Both teams left the ice planning how to change that, and it showed in the second period.
Only a few minutes in, at 4:05 Brady Tkachuk scored his 28th of the season, assisted by J. Sanderson, and T. Stützle. Only a mere 33 seconds later, D. Cozens and T. Hamonic assisted Drake Batherson who scored the second goal for the Senators, with the Devils score remaining at zero. Not for long though, Nico Hischier of the Devils struck back after a penalty was issued to Brady Tkachuk for high-sticking, the captain took advantage of the power play and scored for the Devils (assisted by J. Bratt and L. Hughes), finally putting his team on the board. Unfortunately for them, the Senators enjoyed holding a two-point lead on their competitors, and David Perron made that clear after scoring a power play goal, assisted by C. Giroux and R. Greig. Although a whopping 12 minutes still remaining in the period, neither team could score on the other. The period came to a close with the Senators up 3-1, the Devils trailing with a two-goal deficit behind.
With a full period to either extend a lead or make a comeback, fans were excited for the final period to begin. Both teams pursued, but after over fifteen minutes of scoreless plays, many were skeptical if either team could break the scoreless status quo. After another few minutes, Timo Meier took the initiative to attempt to take back the game with less than a single minute remaining in the period. Meier scored for the Devils, assisted by L. Hughes and C. Glass, ultimately making the score now 3-2. With only 24 seconds left in the period, the Senators successfully held off the Devils, ensuring their victory in New Jersey.
With another loss, many hope the team isn’t creating a losing streak and will bounce back to ensure a playoff spot. Can it be done? Find out at the Devil’s next matchup, which is tomorrow at 7:30 P.M. where they will take on the Vancouver Canucks at home.
