This Saturday afternoon, the New Jersey Devils (8-1-0) extended their seven game win streak into an eight game win streak with an exhilarating 4-3 overtime win against the Colorado Avalanche (5-1-4). The Devils fought until the end throughout the game, and their efforts most definitely paid off.
At home in the Prudential Center, New Jersey was able to make this a win to remember for the fans, as shining stars Jack Hughes, Simon Nemec, and Arseny Gritsyuk put on a great performance.
The first period was filled with nothing short of excitement for the fans in attendance, as only nine minutes into regulation, Arseny Gritsyuk (2) would open the scoring for the game and get the Devils on the board with a great shot from Timo Meier (5). At this point, New Jersey was leading 1-0.
The Devils’ momentum would only continue to move forward, though, as 40 seconds later, Jack Hughes (8) would be left wide open, and he’d take advantage of his position to put New Jersey ahead by two. Hughes would be assisted by Simon Nemec (7) and Brenden Dillon (3). Colorado wouldn’t take this lightly, though, and as time ticked on, they continued to prey on every mistake the Devils made.
On one unfortunate defensive breakdown, Valeri Nichushkin (5) would come soaring in, and he’d find the back of the net from Cale Makar (8) and Victor Olofsson (5). The score would become 2-1, and the Avalanche would only get better. Towards the end of the period, Nathan MacKinnon would strike to tie the game up at 2-2. He’d be assisted by Artturi Lehknonen (7) and Devon Toews (1). The period would end with a score of 2-2.
The second period would commence, and it would be a slow start for both teams, as New Jersey and Colorado’s goaltenders would be putting on their best performances. Trent Miner would be caught in an unfortunate position, though, as Connor Brown found a way to make his way up into the Avalanche zone, and Brown would get past Miner to make the game 3-2 New Jersey. Brown would be assisted by Simon Nemec (7). The period would soon end, and the score would stay at 3-2 Devils.
The third period would be a hard one for New Jersey, as they continuously had trouble keeping track of the puck. This mistake would bite them in the back, though, as Brock Nelson would find an opportunity within the chaos, and he’d use that opportunity to make the game tied at 3-3 for Colorado. Nelson would be assisted by Ross Colton (3) and Sam Malinski (4). New Jersey would be unable to fight back and take the lead, and regulation would end tied at 3-3, and they’d go into overtime.
Overtime would be stressful and fast for each team, as chances ran wild throughout the ice, but when Simon Nemec found Jack Hughes open in Colorado’s zone, he’d pass it over and Jack Hughes would use his take advantage of the opportunity to score and win the game for the Devils. Jack Hughes was the overtime hero of the game as he secured the 4-3 win.
Simon Nemec, the king of assists, seemingly ended the game with three assists, and he doesn’t seem to be stopping anytime soon. As said, alongside Nemec, Jack Hughes also immensely helped the Devils in this game, as he scored two important goals.
The New Jersey Devils are now preparing to travel to Colorado, where they’ll play their next game against the Avalanche again, Tuesday, October 28.
