This week saw the New Jersey Devils face off again with the Boston Bruins and the Washington Capitals.
Shootout loss in Beantown (3/30/21)
The two goal lead is definitely not a safe enough of a lead in the NHL and it certainly wasn’t enough for the New Jersey Devils in this game. Twice the Devils had a 2 goal lead. Miles Wood and Michael McLeod each scored in the first period for the Devils while Nick Ritchie scored one for the Bruins. In the second period, Travis Zajac gave the Devils their first two goal lead as he scored his fifth goal of the season. Brad Marchand later on added his thirteenth of the season to get the score back within one goal. However, Kyle Palmieri gave the Devils their two goal lead back and it was the last lead they would have.
In the third period, the Bruins clawed their way back to tie the game as they got goals from Charlie McAvoy and Matt Grzelcyk to force overtime. After no game winner in OT, the game would be decided in a shootout where Charlie Coyoe and David Pastrnak would give the Bruins the victory by a final score of 5-4.
Season long ownage by the Washington Washington Capitals (4/2/21 & 4/4/21)
The Washington Capitals continued their season dominance over the New Jersey Devils as they defeated them in both matchups at the Prudential Center. The first game on Friday was a close game that was decided in overtime as Dmitry Orlov would score the game winner for the Caps seating the Devils 2-1.
Despite outshooting the Caps & making a comeback effort on Sunday, the Washington Capitals had all the answers as they went on to completing the season series sweep with an 8-0-0 record against the Devils. Washington would win by a final score of 5-4.
How they doin’? My thoughts on the week:
The only saving grace for the Devils this week was they at least picked up a couple of points despite losing twice in overtime. Otherwise, this week was another bad week for the New Jersey Devils. They lost all eight games against the Washington Capitals this season which despite them being one of the leagues best teams is still not good. What also was bad was losing Monday’s game against the Bruins after blowing a couple of two goal leads. That game in particular the Devils should’ve won and didn’t unfortunately. Defense is still a major area of concern for this team as well as special teams. As I’ve said previously, I want to see youngsters like Kevin Bahl in the lineup to see what the defensive prospects can do. Ty Smith has shown the importance of letting your younger players play when in a rebuilding mode. If you’re listening Tom Fitzgerald, please bring up Kevin Bahl and give him a chance.
Upcoming games:
4/6/21: New Jersey Devils vs Buffalo Sabres
4/8/21 New Jersey Devils @ Buffalo Sabres
4/9/21: New Jersey Devils vs Pittsburgh Penguins
4/11/21: New Jersey Devils vs Pittsburgh Penguins
