The power play of the New Jersey Devils has been revitalized as they won 4-3 over Montreal Canadiens on Saturday. They sent their opponents to a fifth straight loss. Nico Hischier was crucial here, as he scored the game-winning power-play goal that ended the tie at 2-2. Also thereby gave the New Jersey Devils confidence. Not only the result ended NJ’s two-game losing streak. But it turned out to be their second win in the last 5 games.
New Jersey Devils Overcome Power-Play Struggles to Secure Victory Against Canadiens
Hischier’s 19th goal of the year which came during the power play was New Jersey’s third power-play goal in the last 48 tries. The team had been struggling to score in the power-play, going 0 for 12 in the previous three games. He disappeared with Canadiens’ Suzuki’s penalty for slashing, showing the Devils’ powerplay proficiency.
The other three who scored were Jesper Bratt, Timo Meier, and Ondrej Palat. Bratt made it 4-2 with an insurance goal not long after Hischier had scored. Which was key in denying a quick comeback by the Canadiens. Goalie Nico Daws was crucial in the game. He made 23 saves, and on a breakaway Josh Anderson hit the crossbar.
Montreal, on the other hand, was not able to pick themselves up and lost seven out of their last eight games. Brendan Gallagher and Nick Suzuki scored for the Habs, with the latter knocking home his 22nd of the campaign. Jake Allen recorded 20 saves. However it was not enough in the game for the team to get the win. Also the rumors about Allen will be intensified as the trade deadline approaches.
The storyline of the match unfolded as Montreal led in shot total but not in goal count, the first period ended in a dead lock. The Canadiens doubled the gap to 1-0 during the second period, when both Gallagher and Suzuki scored the goals. While that could happen, the response was still there from New Jersey Devils, with Mier and Palat making the scoreboard 0.
Devils Rise, Canadiens Struggle: Leadership, Power-Play Revival, Trade Deadline Buzz
Overally, the New Jersey Devils demonstrated no lesser determination than revealing their amazing skills, getting rid of their power-play slump and crashing Montreal Canadiens. The good leadership and team ability to get over the difficulties are guaranteed by Hischier. On the other side, Canada will need to dig deep if they have to change the trend. As the trade deadline is close at hand, the performance of key players like Jake Allen, the goalie, offer a very important and interesting addition to the plot of the team in Canada.
This head-to-head duel can serve as a great starting point for the New Jersey Devils to meet with the Lightning on Sunday. And further extend their triumph. However, the Habs that the same time will have to gather themselves together and host the Arizona Coyotes on Tuesday.