|
Momentum Finally Building Again? From Chris |
|
|
|
|
|
Momentum Finally Building Again?
What a huge win in Jersey last night! That’s two in a row! The Devils came out buzzing on Tuesday at the Rock, putting the Wild Card hopeful Blue Jackets on their heels. First period goals from Nico Hischier, Paul Cotter and Jesper Bratt electrified the crowd in what was a playoff style atmosphere.
However, a desperate Columbus team was not without pushback. The Jackets had NJ pinned in their own end for much of the second period, closing the gap to just 3-2 and controlling play. With the Devils hanging on, the clock struck Timo time. At 16:49 of the second following a barrage of shots from their hungry opponent, the newly acquired Brian Dumoulin made a beautiful breakout pass to Stefan Noesen who fed Timo Meier. Meier then flew into the zone and ripped a shot off the pipe and in to restore the Devils lead to two goals.
Luke Hughes would add to the lead early in the third on a snipe of his own. The also newly acquired Cody Glass carried the puck down the left wall, curled and fed Hughes at the point. Luke walked in and ripped a shot through the legs of the oncoming defender and right under the back bar which essentially sealed the game for New Jersey.
The Devils would hold on for a 5-3 victory, keeping them 8 points up on 9th place Montreal in the East.
Positives Takeaways From The Game
Cody Pass can Glass! I mean Cody Glass can pass! With two assists last night, that’s three points in his first two as a Devil. Glass has been a pleasant surprise. While it’s unlikely he continues to produce at this pace, let’s hope he can provide consistent output the Devils depth has so sorely lacked all season.
Luke Hughes’ third period goal gave him nine points in his last eight contests. The 21 year old D man continues to mature rapidly in every aspect of his game. At 21 years of age, there are few defenders in the history of the game that were so successful, so early.
Welcome back Cotter! The depth scoring continued again last night with an electrifying goal from DJ Pauly C. Just a goal or two a game between the bottom six and D corps would be a major boost down the stretch as the Devils push towards the playoffs.
The Devils saw a three goal cushion (and all the momentum) evaporate when the Bluejackets scored a few quick goals in the second period. For a team that has struggled to maintain composure in these scenarios the last few years, they certainly showed signs of maturity last night. The Devils bent but did not break, one of the early signs of the restoration of winning culture back in New Jersey.
On the Horizon
An always difficult Edmonton team invades the Rock on Thursday night, then it’s at Pittsburgh on Saturday and at Columbus on Monday. Although they’ve regained a bit of a cushion, the Devils need to keep adding points and positive momentum. Any combination of four points in the standings is the minimum here. How do you think the Devils will fare in these next three?
THANK YOU! /The Mail Bag Is Always Open In The Comments
As a new writer here, I have been overwhelmed with the kind words and support from the readers, without you I am nothing. I truly appreciate the opportunity from Ek and the Hockeybuzz community to give me the platform to share my views and opinions with the hockey world. I am looking forward to bringing you guys the best Devils/NHL takes, content, and banter for years to come!
If you guys have any questions, comments or anything else you’d like to say, don’t hesitate to drop them in the comments. I’m always reading them and would happily answer any and all inquiries.
Hey Siri, play “Glory Days” by Bruce Springsteen…
Join the Discussion:
»