Devils Gameday
Amid Another Key Injury Devils Experience Déjà Vu, Blanked by Jets
The New Jersey Devils experience déjà vu against the Winnipeg Jets, as they’re outclassed amid another key injury.
Before the puck even dropped on Friday against the Winnipeg Jets, the New Jersey Devils were going to be shorthanded. Luke Hughes, despite taking warmups, was scratched from the lineup for precautionary reasons related to a lower-body injury.
READ MORE: Devils Star Defenseman OUT of Lineup Last Minute With Injury vs. Jets
As you might have guessed, the Devils did not start well against one of the NHLs juggernauts, giving up the first goal to Alex Iafallo 58 seconds into the contest, and a second to David Gustafsson just 56 seconds later.
The Devils buckled down the rest of the way, and nearly scored when Erik Haula pushed the puck over the Jets’ goal line which would have cut Winnipeg’s lead in half heading into the first intermission. Yet, the officials immediately waved off the goal for goaltender interference.
It was a slow start to the second period for the Devils who didn’t garner their first shot until halfway through the period.
That didn’t stop the Jets from playing, however.
At 15:05 of the middle frame, Simon Nemec tripped Colin Miller sending the Jets to their first power play. They, in fact, tripled their lead on Iafallo’s second goal of the game.
Dawson Mercer seemingly took a high hit from Dylan DeMelo that sent him to the Devils’ locker room bloodied. DeMelo was assessed a double minor. Yet, after review, it was determined that Mercer’s own high-stick hit him in the face and drew blood.
As 5-on-5 play resumed, Mark Scheifele later took advantage of a generous rebound in the final minute of the second period, and put the Jets up by four goals heading into the third period.
He didn’t stat the third period with the Devils, but Mercer did return to play after play resumed in the final frame.
Although the Devils made a late push, the Jets shutout the Devils for the second time in their two meetings this season.
Despite giving up four goals, Jake Allen battled, making 15 saves on 19 shots.
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