The OT loss ended the Devils' season-high, five-game, winning-streak (Dec. 15-27) and their season-high, six-game, winning-streak at Prudential Center (Dec. 12-27).
The match also concluded New Jersey's season-high, six-game, home-stand (Dec. 15-29). The Devils finished 5-0-1, gaining 11 of 12 possible points. NJD out-scored its opponents by a total of \23-14.
\excludes shootout GDG goal, Dec. 21 vs NYR.
Fri., Dec. 15: NJD 5 vs. DAL 2
Mon., Dec. 18 NJD 5 vs. ANA 3
Thurs., Dec. 21 NJD 4 vs. NYR 3 SO.
Sat., Dec. 23: NJD 4 vs. CHI 1
Wed., Dec. 27: NJD 3 vs. DET 1
Fri., Dec. 29: NJD 3 vs. BUF 4 OT
New Jersey has not suffered a regulation-loss at home since Dec. 8 vs. Columbus (3-5 L; 7 games).
The club is 12-5-3 (27PTS) at Prudential Center in 2-17-18. Before the Devils' most-recent seven-game, points-streak (13PTS, 6-0-1) at home, they were just 2-3-2 (6PTS) in its seven previous matches at The Rock from Nov. 7-Dec. 8.
It was also the final home game of the 2017 calendar year: The Devils are 19-18-9 from Jan. 1-Dec. 29, 2017 on home ice (36-33-13 overall). Tonight's game against the Capitals will close-out both NJD and WSH's 2017 calendar year.
Miles Wood opened the scoring to give New Jersey a 1-0 lead at 13:35 of the 1st period. It was his 17TH point (10G-7A, 36GP) this season, which matches his 2016-17 rookie-season, points-total (8G-9A-17PTS, 60GP).
Marcus Johansson, the game's Third Star, scored his fifth of the season on the power play at 8:34 of the 2nd period. It was his first goal/pt. since returning to action from injured reserve. He missed four games, Dec. 12-18 (I.R., retro to Dec. 9, ankle bruise).
Sami Vatanen recorded an assist on Johansson's goal and *tied his career-high for shots in a game with 8 SOG (last time; Dec. 17, 2015).
John Moore scored his fifth goal of the season at 14:55 of the second to give NJD a 3-1 lead. New Jersey carried a 3-2 lead into the third period. Sabres' F Jack Eichel scored two goals (EV/PP) to force OT before Ristolainen scored in OT.
Devils' goaltender Cory Schneider started in his season-high, eighth-straight game (Dec. 12-29). He stopped 25 of 29 shots (.862 SV%) and has a .923 SV% during that span (Dec. 12-29).
TONIGHT'S GAME @ WASHINGTON
Tonight is the second of four games against the Metropolitan Division, Washington Capitals this season. The clubs will face-off for their third meeting on Jan. 18 at Prudential Center before their fourth and final game of the series Apr. 7 in Washington D.C.
In their first match-up, Oct. 13 at The Rock, the Caps were victorious, 2-5, handing NJD their first regulation loss of the season. Kyle Palmieri led New Jersey with 1G-1A (2PTS), while Taylor Hall scored on the power play. Will Butcher, John Moore, and Damon Severson each recorded one assist (1PT).
Cory Schneider 23 saves on 28 shots took the loss in goal. He is 3-7-2 with a 2.38 GAA and a .914 SV% vs. Washington in his NHL career. Keith Kinkaid is 1-3-0 with a 4.23 GAA and a .867 SV% against the Capitals in his NHL career.
Tonight is is New Jersey's final game and final road game of the 2017 calendar year.
Since Jan. 1, 2017 NJD is:
Home: 19-18-9
Road:
Overall: 36-33-13
