What a game!
After being down 3-0 to the Colorado Avalanche, the New Jersey Devils showed their resiliency and scored five straight unanswered goals to beat one of the NHL’s elite teams at the Prudential Center.
"Sometimes when you see the score, you get pretty down on yourself,” Nathan Bastian said.
Bastian scored the game winning goal and has been on a tear since being put on the power play a couple months ago. After being selected in Seattle Kraken’s Expansion draft, Devils GM Tom Fitzgerald brought him back to the Devils after claiming him off waivers. The Devils needed beef upfront and Bastian has been very effective in screening the opposing goaltender.
What a different Ty Smith!
It shows that Devils head coach Lindy Ruff is pushing the right buttons and holding Smith accountable by having him sit a few games. It was a learning moment and right now, Ty Smith simply looks like the player Devils fans saw last season. And they will need him to build confidence and stay on this trend of being more consistent.
The reason why the Devils are enjoying these types of offensive outbursts as of late is because the blueliners are getting more involved offensively. The power play has been resurrected from near last place in mid December and is now operating at 21st in the NHL with a 18.9% success rate. And much of the credit goes to Damon Severson. He stepped up when Dougie Hamilton went down with a jaw injury and has had a major impact on the power play.
Devils play Winnipeg Jets on Thursday.
Shesterkin For Hart?
Believe me. Igor Shesterkin of the New York Rangers is having an outstanding season. Now there is talk about him being a Hart Trophy candidate?
QUESTION: Should goaltenders be considered for the Hart Trophy as league MVP?
This debate came about when Martin Brodeur had a record breaking season in 2006-07 and was considered to be a candidate for the Hart Trophy. At the time, some said because of the goalie position and the fact there is a Vezina trophy, goaltenders should never be considered.
Dominic Hasek, Jose Theodore, and Carey Price have won the Hart trophy in recent memory.
My opinion: As of now, Shesterkin should be a Hart finalist and be considered for the Hart and Vezina Trophies.
Great job in the booth!
I listened to Kelly Schultz and Erica Ayala on The Devils Hockey Network as they called the Devils three goal deficit comeback against the Avalanche. As a matter of fact, Schultz actually made the prediction that the Devils would come back from being down 3-0 after sensing the momentum swing. Well, she was right.
I give her credit for making such a bold statement on the big stage in her debut calling an NHL game. They had great on-air chemistry and hope they get more opportunities at the NHL level.
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Sam Woo is co-host and executive producer of the Let's Go Devils Podcast which can be heard live every Sunday at 9pm ET and Wednesday at 8:30pm ET. You can follow Sam on Twitter: @PrimetimeSamWoo 
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