The New Jersey Devils were looking to get back into action after the 4 Nations Face-Off break. Although some of these players didn’t get a real vacation, the team was back in action, hosting the Dallas Stars on Feb. 22. Following a 4-0 shutout victory against the Montreal Canadiens before the break, the Devils were looking to channel that same momentum again. Unfortunately, the Stars had other plans, beating the Devils 4-2.
Hughes’ Two Late-Period Goals Kept Devils in the Game
Despite the Devils not having any goals in the first two periods, Jack Hughes made sure New Jersey didn’t leave the Prudential Center with a shutout loss.
The first goal came exactly halfway through the third period. On the Devils’ third power-play chance of the night, they finally were able to capitalize. Dougie Hamilton had the puck in the left face-off circle and sent a pass to Jesper Bratt in the middle of the ice. Finding Hughes in the face-off circle across from Hamilton, Bratt sent the puck to Hughes, who took a shot and the puck bounced off the crossbar and into the back of the net.
Related: Stars Hold Off Devils 4-2 to Earn First Win After Break
Despite the Stars answering with a goal 35 seconds after Hughes’ first goal, he brought the Devils within one goal again a minute later. He received the puck from Hamilton and skated up to the net. He took a shot that was blocked by Casey DeSmith. Skating around the back of the goal, he reacquired the puck off a pass from Bratt. This time, his shot bounced off the pipe and into the goal.
Two goals within two minutes from Hughes kept the Devils alive. Unfortunately, it was too late in the game, and the Stars were able to secure their victory with an empty-net goal. Hughes made a valiant effort to keep New Jersey in the game.
These two goals bring Hughes’ goal total to 26 for the season. His overall points sit at 67 since he also has 41 assists. He leads the team in points. However, in the scope of all the players in the NHL, he is tied for ninth place with Mikko Rantanen. He continues to prove his worth to the Devils and continuously shows that he is one of the best players in the league.
Bratt & Hamilton Continue to Excel
As mentioned above, from Hughes’ two goals, Bratt and Hamilton recorded assists on the goals. They have both made exceptional plays this season.
Bratt continues to be one of the best players in the NHL. He has earned 66 points via 17 goals and 49 assists. He is currently in second place for the Devils in points and 11th in the league.
Hamilton is tied for fourth place for the Devils overall. He and Timo Meier both have 38 points. Hamilton has earned his 38 via eight goals and 30 assists.
Bratt and Hamilton have complemented each other well on the first power-play unit. They continue to show their skill, not just on the power play, but in their 5-on-5 performance as well. The two points they each earned for their performance in this game prove just that.
Allen is Good… but Markstrom Is Needed
Jake Allen has certainly stepped up in the absence of Jacob Markstrom. Markstrom’s last game was on Jan. 22 against the Boston Bruins, where he sprained his MCL. This prevented him from representing Sweden in the 4 Nations Face-Off. It appeared as if he would be able to return after the break, but it seems he still needs some time to heal.
Allen let in three goals but made 25 saves against the Stars. He recorded a save percentage (SV%) of .880%. This is now the seventh game that Allen has played in the absence of Markstrom. This game resulted in his fourth loss in this interim time as well. In the 22 games he has played this entire season, he has nine wins under his belt. Before his injury, Markstrom played in 36 games and earned 21 wins. It’s clear who is the starting goalie here.
As the Devils try to hold onto their playoff spot, the loss of Markstrom continues to be more evident. He has taken the ice as part of his recovery process, which is a good sign. Hopefully, he makes a full recovery soon; the Devils need him.
Devils on Back-to-Back
The Devils are back in action on Sunday, Feb. 23 as they travel to Nashville to take on the Predators.
