Devils Struggle Against Flames: A Tough Night in New Jersey
The New Jersey Devils hit the ice on Thursday, eager to shake off a tough loss and reignite their winning streak. But the Calgary Flames, despite being ranked 31st, had other plans, handing the Devils a disappointing 5-4 defeat. Let’s dive into the details of what unfolded in New Jersey.
Markstrom's Tough Night
Jacob Markstrom, a goaltender who thrives on consistent play, was given his seventh straight start by head coach Sheldon Keefe. Markstrom has been solid since the New Year, boasting a respectable .909 save percentage when you exclude one rough outing.
However, Thursday wasn't his night. He allowed five goals, including three of the first ten shots he faced, ending 2.8 goals below expected, according to Moneypuck.
Markstrom himself acknowledged the struggle, particularly lamenting the fifth goal: “Last goal is a tough one,” he admitted. “You got to have that and give the guys a chance to claw and scratch back.” With Jake Allen posting a 2.64 goals against average and a .907 save percentage this season, it might be time for him to step back into the crease against the Los Angeles Kings.
Tsyplakov Finding His Groove
Maxim Tsyplakov, acquired from the New York Islanders, was initially seen as a minor addition. After a promising start on Long Island, his performance dipped, leading to a stint on waivers.
But since rejoining the Devils, Tsyplakov has shown flashes of potential. He netted his first goal for the Devils in the opening frame, a testament to his improving form.
In recent games, Tsyplakov has been a catalyst on the ice, with the Devils outchancing opponents 11-4 when he’s playing. His 11.95 scoring chances per 60 minutes are impressive, even surpassing Jack Hughes in this stretch. It’s a small sample size, but there might be more to unlock in Tsyplakov’s game.
Jack Hughes: A Mixed Bag
Jack Hughes has been under the microscope, especially after missing games pre-Olympics due to injury. However, he silenced critics with a stellar Olympic performance, including a Golden Goal. Since returning to the Devils, Hughes has been on fire, tallying 11 points in eight games.
Despite scoring a highlight-reel goal and assisting on his brother Luke’s late tally, Hughes admitted to a challenging night. “I know that my line was on for the first four [goals against], so that’s on us,” he reflected. His line, including Jesper Bratt and Connor Brown, struggled to find their rhythm.
Coach Keefe noted the overall sloppiness, saying, “Until Jack shot the puck in the net, I don’t know if he handled one puck clean.” It was an off night for Hughes, but his talent shone through even in a tough loss.
Looking Ahead
The Devils, now sitting at 32-31-2, aim to bounce back as they prepare to host the Los Angeles Kings on Saturday. With adjustments needed and potential lineup changes on the horizon, the Devils will look to reclaim their winning form and give their fans something to cheer about.