Devils Shutout Flyers, 3-0, in Third Jersey Debut | GAME STORY

This morning P.K. Subban talked about being excited to wear the third jersey for the first time in franchise history tonight against the Flyers.
And he added, it would be even better if the team could get a win.
Well, P.K. got both.
It was a big 3-0 victory against the Philadelphia Flyers, with an added zest handing the Flyers theirsixth consecutive loss and extending their winless streak to 10 games, while finding their own way back into the win column, snapping a four-game winless streak.
Dawson Mercer came up big with his first career power-play goal to give the Devils a two-goal lead in the second period, and Jesper Bratt had a two-point night (1G-1A).
Michael McLeod potted the empty-netter goal to secure the 3-0 victory.
Mackenzie Blackwood picked up his second shutout of the season stopping all 25 shots he faced. Coincidentally, New Jersey continues along through their four games in six nights having earned three of a possible four points in their first two, after Monday's shootout loss to the Senators.

ALL YOUR POST-GAME INFO
WATCH OUR LIVE POST-GAME SHOW
Chris Wescott and Matt Loughlin have interviews, highlights, analysis and more
GAME DAY
Box Score
Advanced Stats
In-Game Highlights
Photo Gallery
POST-GAME VIDEO
Full Highlights
Post-Game Report: Complete Effort
WATCH: Post-Game Player Interviews:
Mercer
|
Blackwood
WATCH:
Head Coach Lindy Ruff
WHAT'S NEXT
The Devils finish their three-game homestand against the Nashville Predators on Friday night. The game can be seen on ESPN+ and heard on the Devils Hockey Network, including right here at NewJerseyDevils.com. Puck drop is 7:08 p.m. ET.
Tickets are still available. Click here to purchase.
Here are some observations from the game...
- The Devils took to the ice for the first time in their Third Jersey, for showing off the entire kit in game action. - On top of featuring the third jersey for the first time, there was one specific Easter egg relatively hidden in it all. Mackenzie Blackwood had a mask prepared to wear during the third jersey nights, and it poked fun at the Jersey jersey, the Hat hat and now we have the Mask mask. - Fairly tentative and safe play by both teams in the opening period. Perhaps some safety in both teams games knowing the importance of not just the points up for grabs, but the winless streaks both teams were hoping to end. Much of the play was kept on the perimeters with sound defensive play on both sides. The first period ended in a 0-0 scoreline, the Devils holding the 11-9 shot advantage. - If it was a feeling out process, the Devils understood the assignment of the second period breaking out to a 2-0 lead after 40 minutes of play. - Jesper Bratt opened the scoring with his seventh goal of the season, and 21st point of the year. The play unwinded across the 200 feet of ice, starting with a face-off win by Nico Hischier, to Mackenzie Blackwood's stick side, that sent Bratt down the other end of the ice with his speed. It wasn't long before Nico and Jesper were passing back and forth across the ice to open up some space. Jesper shot, Jesper scored and the Devils took the 1-0 lead. - The power play has been a source of difficulty for the Devils this season, but against the Flyers puck movement was far better from both units, better than we've seen in a long while. Sustained offensive zone presence, crisp passing, and yes, even a goal!

"I would say it's been the constant work we've been doing every day," coach Lindy Ruff shared of the improvements on the power play. "Drive home the support, getting lower, getting more pucks to the net, hitting the net more. Our entries were good. And that's a big deal."

- The second wave of the power play had a bit of a different look on the Devils second man-advantage opportunity, with Dougie Hamilton and Ty Smith on the back-end, along with Andreas Johnsson, Dawson Mercer and Tomas Tatar (Jesper Bratt subbed on for Tatar at times). It seemed to work as both Smith was credited with the primary assist on Mercer's first career power-play goal that gave the Devils a 2-0 lead on the Flyers.

"It was great obviously, just to get the goal," Mercer said post game. "That's what I love to do, I love creating offense. And it was great to get it on the power play too, just to keep the momentum going through."

- Mike McLeod scored the empty-netter, his first goal of the season. A noticeable moment on that play, but he and Jack Hughes had the chance at the empty net, but Jack passed to McLeod offering him up the goal. McLeod hasn't scored yet this season and sometimes all it takes is that one empty-netter to get the ball rolling. I'd be shocked if Jack wasn't aware of that situation. - The 25-save shutout was the eighth of Mackenzie Blackwood's career and his second this season. Mackenzie has never lost in regulation to the Flyers and his eighth shutout ties him for third all-time with Johan Hedberg in franchise shutouts. They follow Cory Schneider's 17 and Martin Brodeur's 124.