2) The Devils were outshot 29-25. On the surface it doesn't look so bad, but it's the quality of shots that hurt them. The Jets kept them mostly to the perimeter or to one-and-done opportunities resulting in few Grade A chances against Connor Hellebuyck, but the Devils couldn't do the same. The Jets got the puck deep into the zone and were able to get second and third opportunities, two of which ended up in the back of the net.
3) In his first game back with the Devils after being recalled from Albany, Miles Wood was buzzing all night. He only registered two shots, but had one blocked and five that missed the net. He had two breakaway opportunities, one of which resulted in being awarded a penalty shot. He got Hellebuyck to bite and had him beat, but then couldn't connect on the backhand attempt for the goal. Then in the third, he was rewarded for his efforts when he fired an innocuous shot from the corner at a bad angle that found a hole and wound up in the back of the net for his first NHL goal. He started the game on the third line with Jacob Josefson and Devante Smith-Pelly, but earned a promotion after two shifts to the second line, and played 14 minutes including some time on the power play. Needless to say, he had a solid game and is making the most of this opportunity.
The Devils (10-7-5) will have an optional skate on Wednesday in Chicago before taking on the Blackhawks (15-6-3) at United Center Thursday night at 8:30 p.m.
