Devils earn one point in OT loss to Islanders
New Jersey fought back all game but couldn't net the game winner in the 4-3 overtime loss
Taylor Hall, Brian Boyle, and Marcus Johansson all had game-tying goals, but the Devils couldn't find the winner. For the first time this season, New Jersey played at home with not once carrying a lead.
Here are 10 takeaways from the game:
1. The New Jersey Devils hosted their Hockey Fights Cancer Day at Prudential Center, once again taking part in the Hockey Fights Cancer initiative that benefits both the American and Canadian Cancer Associations.
The Devils also played host to Bennett Burgida who was this year's "Coach for a Day" and cancer survivor at just 11-years-old. Bennett took part in the ceremonial puck drop that featured fellow cancer survivor and New Jersey Devils forward Brian Boyle as well as Islanders Captain Anders Lee.
Tweet from @NJDevils: AND dropping the ceremonial puck. We���re keeping you busy Bennett! #HockeyFightsCancer 💜 pic.twitter.com/sW0JUtY3o8
2. Jesper Bratt was released from playing with a full-cage helmet. For the first time this season, Bratt was able to play with a regular visor after suffering a jaw fracture prior to the start of the season. Bratt played 12:30 and recorded three shots on goal.
3. Despite a 5-on-3 opportunity for 1:52 early in the first period, the Devils were unable to capitalize on their 12 first period shots. The Islanders, meanwhile, were on the board at the 7:24 mark on a goal by Jordan Eberle. For the first time this season at home, the Devils trailed their opponent heading into the second frame.
4. The Islanders thought they had a 2-0 lead 6:12 into the second period when Josh Bailey beat Devils netminder Keith Kinkaid with a wrist shot, stick side. That Islanders 2-0 lead was quickly erased as New Jersey head coach John Hynes challenged the play for off-side. Without taking much time at all, the refs looked at the review and overturned the goal. It was the first time this season that Hynes has challenged a goal for off-side.
5. The penalty kill has been a strong suit for New Jersey this season. Prior to the game against the Islanders, the team had the league's fourth best penalty kill, with an 84.5 percent success rate. The last time the Devils gave up a power play goal was November 13 against Pittsburgh, going 16-for-16 on the penalty kill since then.
6. Taylor Hall got the Devils on the board at the 11:48 mark of the second period. His goal was unassisted and tied the game at one. The Islanders could not control the puck in front of their own goaltender, and Hall from the slot, jammed the puck past Greiss.
Tweet from @NJDevils: Unassisted @hallsy09 beats Greiss to get #NJDevils on the board. pic.twitter.com/vVZEZatOuk
The goal ended Greiss' streak of stopping 56 straight shots in the two games that he's played against the Devils this season.
7. It was written in the stars. Brian Boyle tied the game at 2-2 at the 2:43 mark of the third period. For a second straight Hockey Fights Cancer night/day at The Rock, Boyle was on the board. Boyle has a knack for scoring in Hockey Fights Cancer night as he scored a memorable goal on last years Hockey Fights Cancer night at Prudential Center.
Tweet from @NJDevils: #BoyleStrong 💪💪💪💪💪💪 pic.twitter.com/IsFlw8cep1
The goal was Boyle's 200th career point and assisted on by Sami Vatanen, who along with Boyle was activated off injured reserve prior to the game. Blake Coleman had the other assist.
8. This season alone, Boyle has four goals on two different Hockey Fights Cancer nights. He netted his first career hat trick in Pittsburgh earlier this month, and tonight, added the 2-2 tying goal against the Islanders.
9. Damon Severson played in his 300th career game Friday afternoon. The 24-year-old defender was paired with his usual partner Andy Greene. Severson has played in all of New Jersey's 21 games this season with three goals and 11 assists for 14 points.
10. Marcus Johansson picked a timely moment to score just his third goal of the season. With the goalie pulled at less than 40 seconds left on the clock, Johansson banged home a rebound with just 10 seconds left on the clock to tie the game at 3.
Johansson joined Hall and Boyle as players to score a tying goal throughout the opening 60 minutes.
