This was an interesting week for sure for the New Jersey. There was very good start mixed with a couple bad game and a very thrilling and spectacular end of the week. This week saw the Devs continue their road trip as they took on the Philadelphia Flyers, Washington Capitals, and the Boston Bruins. Let’s recap the week that was:
Victory in Philly (3/23/21)
After previously defeating the Pittsburgh Penguins, the New Jersey Devils played another solid game but this time against the Philadelphia Flyers. Michael McLeod got the Devils on the board first at the midway mark of the first period. However, Joel Farabee tied the score for the Flyers on the power play. Right before the end of the period, Kyle Palmieri scored a power play goal as he one timed a shot from the left face off circle. Devils would lead the Flyers 2-1 after the first period.
Yegor Sharngovich and Travis Zajac in the second period extended the Devils lead to 4-1 going into the third and final period. Philadelphia did make the game interesting at the end as they got two late goals from Sean Couturier but they would not be able to complete the comeback bid as the New Jersey Devils won by a final score of 4-3.
Post Game Coverage
Back 2 Back losses in DC (3/25/21 & 3/26/21)
The Washington Capitals continued their season dominance over the New Jersey Devils as they defeated them on Thursday 4-3 and a 4-0 shutout on Friday. On Thursday, the Capitals had an answer for every goal the Devils scored. On Friday, there was no answers to solving Ilya Samsonov as he made 24 saves to shutout the Devils. Alex Ovechkin continued to torture New Jersey as he scored three goals in both games.
Save of the Year in Beantown? (3/28/21)
This game was another tight and low-scoring game between the Devils and Bruins. It’s been that way the majority of the matchups between these two teams this season. Kyle Palmieri scored the only goal of the game at the 16:37 mark of the first period as he tipped in a shot from Ty Smith.
Where this game got thrilling was late in the third period. Twice the Bruins thought they tied the game. First, they had a goal taken off the board after it was determined there was goaltender interference. Finally without about 8.1 seconds left in the game, Devils goalie MacKenzie Blackwood stretched out and made an amazing toe save that barely kept the puck from crossing the goal line and kicked it out of the net. This play was reviewed but it was determined the puck never completely crossed the goal line. New Jersey escaped with the 1-0 shutout and the 2 points in the standings. MacKenzie Blackwood made 40 saves in a spectacular performance to earn the shutout victory.
Game Highlights
How they doin’? My thoughts on the week:
This week was a mixed result type of week. New Jersey had two one goal victories over the Flyers and Bruins. However, they continue to lose to the Washington Capitals. The Devils aren’t ready to hang with a team of their caliber just yet and it definitely showed defensively. For every goal the Devils scored, the Capitals had an answer and were able to put them away. These games in particular show that the Devils still have more growing and learning to do as a team especially on the defensive side of the game. Ty Smith has been the Devils best defenseman overall in his rookie season as he’s stood out all season long. However, there needs to be more great defenseman back there besides just Ty Smith. I am hoping to see prospect Kevin Bahl get some games in by the end of the season. I want to see Bahl and more of the younger defenseman in the Devils system and give them a chance to develop. Bahl has the potential to be a really good shutdown defensive defenseman. Hopefully we’ll see him in Jersey soon. Overall, this was a solid week for the Devils. However, next week will be a challenge as they face the Bruins and Capitals again.
Upcoming Games:
3/30/21: New Jersey Devils @ Boston Bruins
4/2/21 New Jersey Devils vs Washington Capitals
4/4/21 New Jersey Devils vs Washington Capitals
