All About The Jersey - New Jersey Devils 3, Winnipeg Jets 2 (SO): Game 26 CoverageA world class blog for Jersey's team: the New Jersey Devilshttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/47083/lou-fave.png2013-03-11T00:23:55-04:00http://www.allaboutthejersey.com/rss/stream/38497992013-03-11T00:23:55-04:002013-03-11T00:23:55-04:00Devils Prevailed Over Jets in 3-2 (SO) Win
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<img alt="Patrik Elias, scoring a shootout goal against Ondrej Pavelec. It was the shootout winner." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/cacq5VtMX9E87dQ67pWvbww7KJY=/0x69:4000x2736/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/9472161/163484365.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Patrik Elias, scoring a shootout goal against Ondrej Pavelec. It was the shootout winner. | Bruce Bennett</figcaption>
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<p>The New Jersey Devils picked up two big points in a 3-2 shootout win against the Winnipeg Jets, a game that opened at 2-0 in the first period. This recap goes into how well Johan Hedberg played, an improved D, and other thoughts about tonight's win.</p> <p>For the first time since I believe February 15, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.allaboutthejersey.com/">New Jersey Devils</a> scored the first goal of the game tonight against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.arcticicehockey.com/">Winnipeg Jets</a>. <span>Ryan Carter</span> backhanded home a rebound to make that happen. They also scored the second goal, the first two goal lead held by the team since the end of that game on February 15. <span>Stephen Gionta</span> got a one-on-one with <span>Ondrej Pavelec</span> and Gionta slid it through his gaping five-hole. However, an unfortunate deflection by Andy Greene on an otherwise harmless shot reduced the lead to one. An otherwise strong period, but one accident yielded a goal against. Improved play by the Jets in the second period made the game look more even and they tied it up with a mistake by <span>Adam Larsson</span> at the blueline turning into a two-on-one that <span>Evander Kane</span> finished with a laser blast late in the period.</p>
<p>However, the Devils pressed early for the breakthrough, the Jets' offense only showed up later, and the difference between this game and so many others was that the 2-2 deadlock was upheld for a period. There were no late comebacks to force overtime. There were no in-period drama on the scoreboard. The puck just wasn't going and while overtime opened things up, the breaks weren't there. It came down to a shootout. <span>Patrik Elias</span> scored the only goal and Johan Hedberg was the hero in a 3-2 win. The Devils could have faltered and dropped the game despite an early 2-0 lead. Instead, they managed to get two points from it. Given the team's recent run of form, all wins should be accepted and appreciated for now. Needless to say, the slump is still to be considered active until otherwise stated. But the Devils did a lot right tonight. Let's talk about that in this very recap.</p>
<p><b>The Stats: </b>The <a href="http://www.nhl.com/scores/htmlreports/20122013/GS020368.HTM" target="_blank">NHL.com Game Summary</a> | The <a href="http://www.nhl.com/scores/htmlreports/20122013/ES020368.HTM" target="_blank">NHL.com Event Summary</a> | The <a href="http://www.nhl.com/scores/htmlreports/20122013/PL020368.HTM" target="_blank">NHL.com Play by Play Log</a> | The <a href="http://www.nhl.com/scores/htmlreports/20122013/SS020368.HTM" target="_blank">NHL.com Shot Summary</a> | The <a href="http://www.nhl.com/scores/htmlreports/20122013/FC020368.HTM" target="_blank">NHL.com Faceoff Comparison</a> | The <a href="http://www.nhl.com/scores/htmlreports/20122013/TH020368.HTM" target="_blank">NHL.com Devils Time on Ice Report</a></p>
<p><b>The Opposition Opinion: </b>Over at Arctic Ice Hockey, <a href="http://www.arcticicehockey.com/2013/3/10/4087706/winnipeg-jets-new-jersey-devils-recap" target="_blank">Derek Gagnon has this summary of the game and ten thoughts about the Jets' performance.</a></p>
<p><b>The Game Highlights: </b>See Carter score! See Gionta make a move! See an unfortunate deflection! See Larsson look foolish and Kane soar! See Moose make big stops! See a lot more hits than you'd otherwise expect from a Jets-Devils game! See this highlight video from <a href="http://www.nhl.com" target="_blank">NHL.com</a> for what happened tonight!</p>
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<p><b>Redemption for Hedberg: </b>Johan Hedberg had a very good performance tonight. He squared up for shots, he didn't leave many rebounds his own skaters couldn't get to, and he tracked the puck very well in regulation, overtime, and in the shootout. There was no premature stackulation or anything of the sort. He didn't even misplay the puck outside of the net save for one sketchy moment late in the game that turned out to be no issue. Hedberg faced 25 shots, the Jets did their best work late in periods and in overtime (at least it seemed that way, a Fenwick timeline from AIC will confirm or deny that), and Hedberg made the stops on all but one legitimate shot on net. <span>Mark Stuart's</span> goal was really <span>Andy Greene's</span> as the defenseman inadvertently tipped his shot past the goalie. The one legitimate shot was laserblast of a wrist shot to the top corner by Evander Kane, the Jets' most talented player. As far as shots to get beaten by, that's a pretty good one. But Moose had the last laugh on Kane as he stopped Kane's shootout attempt and nine other shots, including a lovely glove save near the end of overtime.</p>
<p>Hedberg has been getting a lot of deserved criticism as of late with several mistakes leading to goals that goaltenders just shouldn't allow. It has really hurt a team that has had enough trouble scoring goals. Tonight, he was a positive and the crowd at the Rock certainly showed their appreciation at time went on. The ovation he got when he closed his legs on <span>Andrew Ladd</span> to win the shootout was deserved. This was a redemption game for him and, fortunately, it helped the team get the desired result.</p>
<p><b>So Good, So Talented, So Many Shots: </b>Evander Kane had ten shots on net out of twelve attempts. You read that right: ten shots on net. The Devils really didn't have an answer for him. It's hard to have one given he's so fast, strong, and quick with his shot. In a way, it's amazing that only one of them got through. At the same time, it's defeating that Hedberg was able to deny him off 3-on-2s or off offensive possession but he still got a wide-open two-on-one. Why did that happen? Because Larsson couldn't get the puck in deep after lunging at it from the blueline. Mark Stuart got it, lobbed one past him, and Kane was off to score a goal - which he did. Still, he was the main driver of the Jets' offense from my eyes. Was it great that only one player took 40% of all of the Jets' shots tonight because it means the others didn't threaten much? Or was it bad that one player took 40% of all of the Jets' shots because he could've had more than just the one goal? Either way, I'm glad the Devils won't have to see Kane for a while. He was that impressive tonight.</p>
<p><b>Here's a Big Positive - That Was the One Lethal Mistake: </b>Over this slump, we've seen opposing players get all kinds of open in 5-on-5 or 4-on-5 situations for the Devils where you just wonder where the coverage is. I get that everyone can't always be on everyone, but surely the middle of the ice is a place where you want someone to be aware of what's going on most of the time. It killed the Devils against Carolina on Saturday night. Tonight, Larsson getting caught was the only defensive error that yielded a goal - and it didn't even come in the defensive zone.</p>
<p>That's a big improvement within 24 hours. I don't know what the coaches said or whether the players discussed it or whether the return of Captain <span>Bryce Salvador</span> to the ice changed things, but the Devils were a lot more conscious of the slot tonight. If one defending Devil got beat, someone was there in support. The Jets got some open shots, but they didn't get several free ones in dangerous places like we've seen against Tampa Bay, Buffalo, and Carolina among recent games. They didn't catch the Devils too many times in odd man rushes. The Devils did get pinned back for a few shifts in the second, third, and overtime periods. But it appeared their communication and positioning was far better, even when they were pinned. I was very pleased to see that. The Devils should keep it up as it'll help them give up fewer goals in the long run.</p>
<p>Oh, as for the first goal? I think the word "accident" is more appropriate. Greene was just at the wrong place at the wrong time. He knew it, Hedberg knew it, and it's forgotten about.</p>
<p><b>A Fearsome First: </b>You wouldn't know that they played on the road on Saturday night given how the Devils came out. They looked angry, they played angry, and they pressed the issue over and over again. They out-shot the Jets 11-5 and that's considering the Devils' scorer was undercounting shots this evening. The first goal came off a fortitutious bounce off a glass support on a dump-in by <span>Anton Volchenkov</span>. <span>Travis Zajac</span> gets the loose puck in front, he's denied, but Ryan Carter puts home the rebound. A few minutes later, after a strong shift by the <span>Andrei Loktionov</span> line, <span>Ilya Kovalchuk</span> saw Stephen Gionta coming over the boards. Kovalchuk hits him with a perfect diagonal pass across the neutral zone to play him into the Jets' end and behind everyone. Gionta cut in and made a great move to beat Pavelec. Those were the goals. They were big since, again, the Devils haven't scored first in a game for a long time and they've been so unfortunate in terms of shooting percentage over the last twelve games or so.</p>
<p>It could have been much more than two tonight. There were several rebounds and loose pucks around Pavelec's crease that the Devils couldn't put home for one reason or another. One time it would be in a player's skate. Another, it's past a Devil whose stick wasn't in position for it. Another, it's right into a defender. On another, it goes wide. The Devils had a fantastic looking power play that yielded only shot off the post and a bunch of misses. The Devils really tore the Jets apart in the first with their forecheck and neutral zone play and they won a lot of pucks because of it. This also took pressure off the defense, who didn't have to deal with a lot of counter-attacks.</p>
<p>The only blotch on the period was a Mark Stuart shot from the side-boards hitting Andy Greene's stick, which knocked it past Hedberg for a score. It was definitely against the run of play and a surprise. At the same time, what can you do? Bad bounces happen.</p>
<p><b>Next Stop - The Ice Bath: </b>Anton Volchenkov played his usual fifteen-minutes-and-change at even strength tonight but I actually thought he stood out. He actually chipped in on offense with two shots out of five attempts. He even jumped up in a two-on-one in the third period; he could only lunge the puck forward to Pavelec, but the fact that Volchenkov didn't completely blow a two-on-one was impressive enough. The official record shows Volchenkov blocked only one shot tonight, but he had at least two in the third period that looked like they hurt him. The first was a shot by Kane that got him in the back. Volchenkov went down but slowly got up, went to the bench, and didn't miss a shift. The second was a high one by <span>Zach Bogosian</span>; but A-Train was not deterred. Volchenkov also threw a couple of good, hard hits. All of this and he wasn't badly torched or anything like that as far as I can recall. I like this A-Train. But I hope he's icing up what should be a sore body because he took a lot of pain tonight.</p>
<p><b>Return of the Captain: </b>As much as I think Bryce Salvador is being given too large and difficult of a role on defense, I don't have any real complaints about how he played tonight. 23:11 overall at even strength and no really massive errors that nearly cost the team. In fact, I think the only defensive pairing that struggled at times was Larsson and Greene. I noticed they got pinned back quite a bit near the end of the second period. I suspect more of the same in the third; but I'd have to check on that later.</p>
<p><b>Looking Good Except on the Scoresheet: </b>I really enjoyed how Ilya Kovalchuk played tonight. He was able to carry the puck into the zone successfully and he was usually looking to make plays. They weren't bad plays, either. He knew he didn't have a great shooting lane and by the pass, you knew that if it was on-target, then it would be a far better shot. Alas, most of those passes got away or bounced off sticks or whathaveyou. His one to Gionta was sublime, though. Anyway, I could tell he really wanted to win this game in regulation in the third and then later in overtime (and one lobbed puck just got away from him in OT). He would even try to go through Jets if he could. Given that all manners of stickchecks and puck battles have won him pucks all night long, I can't really fault him for trying. That said, I was surprised to see he only had one shot on net, a missed shot, and only 24:17 of ice time. Huh. His linemates of <span>Alexei Ponikarovsky</span> and Andrei Loktionov combined for exactly two shots on net. I suspect he looked better than he really was.</p>
<p><b>Forwards As a Unit: </b>The Devils forwards did well but it's hard to identify a true standout. Two members of the bottom six scored, but they also seemed to get pinned back the most. I liked how the Loktionov line forechecked, but it didn't lead to much success on the shot count. The 27 shots on net that were officially counted were spread around. <span>Steve Bernier</span> got three shots on net while playing with Patrik Elias and <span>Adam Henrique</span>; he had the most. The most attempts were by Elias with seven (two on net). That total doesn't include all of the loose pucks around the net that didn't yield any actual shots at Pavelec. The Devils also had a significant number of misses, the most noticeable being a Travis Zajac deflection going wide of an unaware Pavelec in the second period. It's also worth noting that there were a lot of won pucks off a forecheck that just didn't lead to a shot or an attempt. As a result, I'm left thinking guys looked good but didn't produce as I thought they did. Like Ryan Carter. I liked what I saw in general, he got a goal, and two other shots; but he also was quiet in long stretches like the whole second period. As a team, that's not a problem. When trying to highlight individual players, it's a little tougher.</p>
<p><b>The Best Shotless Power Play of the Season: </b>The refs really let the Devils and Jets get away with a lot tonight. Each team only got one power play. Andrei Loktionov was clearly held by <span>Grant Clitsome</span> in trying to gain the zone near the end of the first period. Within the final two minutes, the Devils put the puck anywhere they wanted except for in the net. This wasn't a power play that just hung out at the point. Even after a Jets clearance, the top unit was able to get set up, move it up and down as they wished, and even found Adam Henrique in the middle of it all for a possible shot a couple of times. The problem with that latter finding, Henrique didn't shoot except for twice. The first missed and the second hit the post. Henrique and others were content in trying to make that one additional pass instead of forcing Pavelec to be good. I really liked the puck movement and control. It made the Jets' PK look like a paper tiger. Except for one post, they had everything but the shots.</p>
<p>Oh, and the PK was pretty solid tonight: only one shot allowed on one kill.</p>
<p><b>If You Loved Stickchecks, Then This Was Your Game: </b>From the beginning through the end of regulation, the puck was often battled away from sticks. The Devils came up with a lot of them, but the Jets had their share of wins. As a result along with possibly the ice, the puck was bouncing quite a bit, which ruined some offensive possibilities for each team. The third period was somehow even in shots at 7-7, but it was really an exciting, open affair with both teams just denying pucks at the last moment. Overtime really showcased the flow of the game as it had that one fewer player to get in and deny possession with their stick. Thankfully it was only for five minutes as the Jets were taking control as time went on.</p>
<p><b>Shootout Heroes: </b>Patrik Elias' backhander through the five-hole was great and it got the Devils a second point. Johan Hedberg was excellent with his pads on <span>Blake Wheeler</span> and Andrew Ladd (Surprising to me, they each played over 22 minutes tonight total) and his glove on Kane was great. The Devils are now 2-3 in shootouts this season and responsible for the last two wins the team has had. I know regulation wins are better, but when you're slumping like this, you can't be choosy about the kind of victory.</p>
<p><b>A Last Point: </b>It was another sellout at the Rock. With the final four home games this month being against the Second Rate Rival, Montreal on a Saturday, Our Hated Rivals, and Florida on Saturday, business has certainly been good. The crowds have been vocal and they want something to cheer about. The first period gave them plenty, but the feeling was tense after Kane's second goal. The people didn't want to see a 2-0 lead turn into 2-3 or worse, another sad addition to the slump. Hence, the crowd did go wild after Hedberg's stop. The Rock's been getting good crowds; hopefully the team's play improves to really get the most out of them, which will make the game more enjoyable for everyone. Well, except for visiting fans, but whatever.</p>
<p>What did you think of the Devils' win tonight? How happy were you with <span>Johan Hedberg's</span> performance? Are you pleased with how the defense performed given they didn't leave the gate wide open in the middle so much? Do you think if the Devils keep doing what they did tonight, they'll get out of this slump? If not, what else do you think they need to do? Were there any Jets not named Evander Kane that had a really good night? What should the Devils work on before facing the Second Rate Rivals on Wednesday? Please leave your answers and other thoughts about tonight's win in the comments. Thanks to everyone who followed along in the Gamethread and on Twitter through <a href="http://www.twitter.com/inlouwetrust" target="_blank">@InLouWeTrust.</a> Thank you for reading.</p>
https://www.allaboutthejersey.com/2013/3/11/4088098/new-jersey-devils-prevailed-over-winnipeg-jets-in-shootout-for-3-2-winJohn Fischer2013-03-10T18:00:03-04:002013-03-10T18:00:03-04:00Devils vs. Jets: Gamethread #26
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<p>The New Jersey Devils will take on the Winnipeg Jets for the final time this regular season at the Rock. This post is a place where users can discuss the game before, during, and after it happens until the recap is up.</p> <p><strong>The Time:</strong> 7:00 PM EST</p>
<p><strong> The Broadcast:</strong> TV - MSG; Radio - 660 AM & 101.9 FM WFAN</p>
<p><strong>The Matchup:</strong> The <a href="https://www.allaboutthejersey.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">New Jersey Devils</a> (11-9-5) vs. the <a href="https://www.arcticicehockey.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Winnipeg Jets</a> (12-11-1)</p>
<p><strong>The Previews: </strong>Karen did the preview for this game and it went up earlier this morning,<a href="http://www.inlouwetrust.com/2013/3/10/4085130/new-jersey-devils-vs-winnipeg-jets-game-26-preview"> so go check that out if you haven't yet.</a> For the opposition point of view, please check out <a href="http://www.arcticicehockey.com/">Arctic Ice Hockey.</a></p>
<p><strong>The Song for Tonight: </strong><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i-UrNYzASBg">"Hard Times"</a> by Cro-Mags from the important <em>The Age of Quarrel</em> album. A hockey team in a slump isn't really hard times for you and me, but it certainly is for those on the ice.</p>
<p><strong>Gameday Info: </strong>Much to the chagrin of the Devils fans, <span>Johan Hedberg</span> will start tonight's game according to Peter DeBoer per <a href="http://blogs.northjersey.com/blogs/fireice/comments/deboer_hedberg_will_start_again_sunday_against_winnipeg/" target="_blank">this post-game post by Tom Gulitti and Fire & Ice.</a> The Jets should seem mostly familiar since the last Devils-Jets game at the Rock. <a href="http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/sports/hockey/jets/Jets-hope-to-freeze-out-Devils-tonight-196764541.html" target="_blank">According to Gary Lawless of the Winnipeg Free Press</a>, the Jets will start <span>Ondrej Pavelec</span> in net and their only lineup change will be <span>Derek Meech</span> playing in place of <span>Paul Postma</span> on defense.</p>
<p><strong> The Reminder of Rules:</strong> This is a place where you can comment about this game before, during, and after it's played before the recap is up. This is a place where we primarily discuss the Devils game. An odd mention of other NHL games is OK, but it shouldn't dominate discussion. All comments will be clean, respectful of each other, relevant to the game, and legal (read: no streams). Please do not post super-big pictures or .GIFs so the gamethread can keep moving for everyone. If you must use pictures, please put a title in the comment.</p>
<p>I'll be in my usual seat in Section 1 tonight. I'll be limited in commentary here and through @InLouWeTrust on Twitter, connection and battery life permitting. Either way, let's go Devils! And when we say go, we mean do good things. Go and do good things.</p>
https://www.allaboutthejersey.com/2013/3/10/4085822/new-jersey-devils-vs-winnipeg-jets-gamethread-26John Fischer2013-03-10T07:00:06-04:002013-03-10T07:00:06-04:00Devils vs. Jets: Game 26 Preview
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<img alt="David Clarkson lines up with Jets captain Andrew Ladd on February 28, 2013" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/DEp7mJPjvTJhyHY6s6HrpHkm77I=/0x611:2660x2384/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/9418613/20130228_lbm_af3_025.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>David Clarkson lines up with Jets captain Andrew Ladd on February 28, 2013 | Bruce Fedyck - USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The New Jersey Devils are taking on the Winnipeg Jets for the third and final time this season. The Devils are hoping to right the ship after weeks of tough losses and avoid being swept by the Jets.</p> <p> </p>
<p><b>The Time: </b>7:00 PM EST</p>
<p><b>The Broadcast: </b>TV - MSG; Radio - 660 AM & 101.9 FM WFAN</p>
<p><b>The Matchup: </b>The <a href="https://www.allaboutthejersey.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">New Jersey Devils</a> (11-9-5) vs. the <a href="https://www.arcticicehockey.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Winnipeg Jets</a> (12-11-1)</p>
<p><b>The TiqIQ Ticket Link: </b>Hoping to see the Devils get their revenge after losing their last two against Winnipeg? Check out this link and get tickets today: <b><a href="http://www.tiqiq.com/nhl/new-jersey-devils-tickets/?publisherid=1011101">New Jersey Devils tickets.</a></b><b> </b></p>
<p><b>The Last Devils Game: </b>The Devils lost a tough one to the <a href="https://www.canescountry.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Carolina Hurricanes</a> last night with a score of 6-3. Although the Devils out shot the Canes, they found themselves in too deep a hole to climb out of after two periods. When the first period came to a close, the Devils were down 2-1. The Canes scored two fast goals followed by a short-handed tally from Kovalchuk. It seemed like a winnable game, until the second period. The Hurricanes scored three goals in the second and made it too difficult for the Devils to make a come back. In the third, Kovalchuk and Elias scored two quick goals to bring back some hope, but it wasn't enough after letting up so much earlier in the match. The game came to a close after an empty net goal from the Hurricanes. Hedberg made the start and was pulled going into the third, giving <span>Jeff Frazee</span> his first taste of the NHL. He only saw three shots, but turned each one away. It was a poor defensive effort with a few bad goals from Moose - a lot of the same during the slump so far. <a href="http://www.inlouwetrust.com/2013/3/9/4085002/slump-continued-new-jersey-devils-defeated-6-3-carolina-hurricanes">John puts the game in the perfect light with his recap here.</a><b> </b></p>
<p><b>The Last Jets Game: </b>The Jets last took the ice against the <a href="https://www.litterboxcats.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Florida Panthers</a> on Friday. They started out strong getting through the first period with a 2-1 lead, getting goals by <span>Andrew Ladd</span> and <span>Blake Wheeler</span>. After a strong first, the Jets took their foot off the gas and let the Panthers battle back forcing the game into overtime. Winnipeg was finally successful when <span>Dustin Byfuglien</span> buried it in extra time. <a href="http://www.arcticicehockey.com/2013/3/8/4081242/winnipeg-jets-florida-panthers-recap">Check out the write up from Derek Gagnon at Arctic Ice Hockey for a full recap of the game.</a></p>
<p><b>The Last Devils-Jets Game: </b>It may seem like ages ago, but the Devils and Jets last met on February 28, just ten days ago. It was New Jersey's third loss of their painful skid and the Devils went down 3-1. It was a story of the Devils out-chancing the Jets, but nothing going in the net. The game started with the fastest goal ever scored against the Devils and ended with an empty netter. The only goal from New Jersey was from <span>Andrei Loktionov</span> - and it was on his only shot. It was a tough one to swallow, but after losing both against the Jets in their home-and-home, hopefully the Devils will come out today with a thirst for revenge. <a href="http://www.inlouwetrust.com/2013/3/1/4042400/new-jersey-devils-three-game-losing-streak-3-1-loss-winnipeg-jets">For a full recap of this game, check out John's post from that day.</a></p>
<p><b>The Goal: </b>It was already announced last night that Hedberg would be back in net for the Devils today - so whether we like it or not, Moose will get another shot at turning his game around. Last night was a classic example of Hedberg letting in a few soft goals and when he was making the saves, he was not getting any help from his teammates. I'm sure he would have liked to have at least two of the goals he let in back, but there were holes everywhere. Everyone in front of Moose will have to step up and help him out, and then maybe he will start making the important saves in return. One can hope.</p>
<p>Outside of letting in too many goals, the offense needs to start putting the puck in the net, as well. Things started to come together during the third period last night when Elias and Kovalchuk scored, so hopefully some of that will carry over. Kovalchuk was hungry yesterday and found the back of the net twice. It would be great if he stays on point today. It would also be nice if a few bounces went in the Devils' favor. There have been countless open nets missed due to a bad bounce or a ridiculous save. The breaks have to start going our way eventually, right?</p>
<p>Special teams were okay last night. Aside from the first penalty kill, where Semin was left alone in front, the Devils short-handed attempts were successful - we even saw a league leading seventh short-handed goal from Kovalchuk (his third of the season). The powerplay had two opportunities, but was shut down. It did look pretty good, though - especially the first chance in the opening period when they had five shots on goal. The Jets penalty kill has been great lately - they have not allowed a power play goal in their last 21 times shorthanded. With that, they are still 29<sup>th</sup> in the league shorthanded, so there is room for some success from the Devils.</p>
<p>The defense was active on the score sheet by getting every assist awarded. That's nice, but they constantly left Hedberg dealing with odd man rushes and shots from difficult areas of the ice. They cannot afford to do the same today with scoring threats such as Andrew Ladd and <span>Evander Kane</span> (who have both burned the Devils this season). As John pointed out in his recap, Hedberg has been frustrating in net, but the defense in front of him isn't providing him with the support he needs to make saves.</p>
<p>The Devils currently sit in 7<sup>th</sup> place in the East with only one point over the 8<sup>th</sup> place <a href="https://www.blueshirtbanter.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Rangers</a> and two points over the 9<sup>th</sup> place Jets. What do you expect to see from the Devils and Jets today? How much of a must win do you consider this game? Who do you think needs to step up to start the trek out of this painful slump? Do you think the two goals early in the third period last night will carry over into tonight's effort? Please discuss what you hope to see at the Rock tonight below. Thanks for reading!</p>
https://www.allaboutthejersey.com/2013/3/10/4085130/new-jersey-devils-vs-winnipeg-jets-game-26-previewKaren Meilands