This Friday night, the New Jersey Devils (7-1-0) extended their six-game winning streak into a seven-game winning streak with a huge win against the San Jose Sharks (1-5-2). The game ended with a score of 3-1 and solidified the fact that the Devils may be cracking the curse this year.
Even with New Jersey’s win, San Jose was the one to actually open the flood gates of scoring in the first period, as William Eklund was able to find the back of the Devils net to put the Sharks ahead 1-0. He was assisted by Macklin Celebrini. Eklund would then be the sole scorer in the first period.
Coming out onto the ice for the second period, New Jersey realized it was their time to shine, and they came prepared, especially Dougie Hamiton, who was under the spotlight tonight. As said, Hamilton made everyone in the Prudential Center keep their eyes on him, as he was able to score twice in the second period, both on the power-play. These two goals are what kept the Devils afloat and in the game.
Another player that was a bright spot that shone in the second period tonight was captain Nico Hischier, as he grabbed assists on both of Dougie’s goals. Hischier’s chemistry with the whole team and leadership has continuously made him a star on the ice, not just in this game, but in every game.
Hamilton would be another sole scorer, and the second period would go on to end with a score of 2-1 Devils.
The third period would commence slowly for both teams, and no goals would be scored by any players until towards the end of the game. San Jose would be caught in a vulnerable position on a defensive breakdown with their goaltender , Yaroslav Askarov, pulled out of his net. The Devils would take advantage of the Sharks vulnerability and Connor Brown would send the puck down into the empty net to solidify the win for the Devils.
New Jersey’s goaltender, Jake Allen, made 23 saves throughout this game, and he will hopefully continue to make more in the Devils’ next game. This next game will be against the Colorado Avalanche Sunday afternoon at 1 p.m. EST, where they’ll look to extend their winning streak to eight games.
