On Tuesday, December 9, the New Jersey Devils closed out their five-game losing streak against the Ottawa Senators; winning 4-3. The Devils lost four of their recent games at home and one on the road before breaking the streak against the Senators.
Devils forward Cody Glass scored the tiebreaker securing the 4-3 win.
Over the last few games the odds were not in favor for the Devils, however, the team pushed through the inconsistent, rough patch and found their way back into the winning column.
As the first period began, the Senators were quick to open the scoring. A minute thirty-six into the first period, Drake Batherson found the back of the Devils net giving the Senators a 1-0 lead. Batherson’s wrist shot goal was assisted by Brady Tkachuk and Jake Sanderson. Not long after, Devils defenseman Simon Nemec tied the game 1-1 with the help of right wingers Connor Brown and Arseny Gritsyuk. A beautiful goal right through the legs of goaltender Linus Ullmark.
Tuesday’s game was very interchangable with back and forth goals by both the Senators and the Devils.
With a little more than half of the first period remaining, the Senators were quick to take the lead 2-1. Tim Stützle scored his 12th goal of the season which was a wrist shot assisted by both Tkachuk and Dylan Cozens. To conclude the first period, Gritsyuk was able to tie the game 2-2 with only a few minutes to go. Brown and Glass were credited with the assists on Gritsyuk’s wrist shot. A fantastic goal from a quick pass by Brown.
In the second period, over four minutes of play in, forward Paul Cotter pushed the Devils ahead 3-2 on an unassisted backhanded goal. A smooth goal with a quick reaction and no doubt.
At around halfway through the second period, Batherson’s wrist shot tied the game 3-3 as the Senators fought back. Batherson’s second goal of the night was assisted by both Cozens and Stützle. The remainder of the second period stayed tied as both the Devils and the Senators fought for the final goal of the night.
The third period began, and the score remained the same up until Glass’ wrist shot which closed out the scoring period 4-3. Glass’ fifth goal of the season was assisted by Gritsyuk and Brown — plus the joy from Gritsyuk really makes the goal 10 times more special. It was a great goal to close out the night and secure the Devils 4-3 win over the Senators.
Glass, Gritsyuk, and Brown have been a power team and their line was incredible on the ice. One goal and one assist for Glass, one goal and two assists for Gritsyuk, and three assists for Brown. A three-point night for both Gritsyuk and Brown.
Tuesday night was also a fantastic night for Devils goaltender Jacob Markstrom. Markstrom was previously injured and has been fond of finding his groove back since. This game definitely highlighted his strength and talent as a goaltender, helping lead the Devils to success.
The New Jersey Devils will return home at the Prudential Center and host the Tampa Bay Lightening on Thursday, December 11 at 7 p.m.
