Here are some observations from the game:
• The heavily battered, bruised and injured Devils rallied around each other and executed one of their best games of the year. They managed the puck well. They stayed above to eliminate any odd-man rush or overall rush chances against from the Ducks (who are the No. 1 rush team in the NHL). And they held the NHL’s No. 2 offense to one goal. At the same time, the Devils didn’t sit back. They played aggressive at both ends, cycled well in the offensive zone and did enough to manufacture some offense. The Devils looked hungry and determined. They played fast, they played hard and they played to the win.
Keefe: “It’s a clear understanding and embracing that it’s hard. Just take care of yourself and do it again. Pull together as a team. This is on the players here today. The players decided this is what they’re doing today. Then when they do that, the structure that the coaches are talking about all comes together. In the NHL that gives you a chance to win.”
• Textbook third period from the Devils to protect their 3-1 lead. Made the simple, smart plays in the D zone on just getting the puck out. But they didn’t just sit back and try to hold on. They still forced the issue offensively, played aggressively on the forecheck and kept their legs moving. Short shifts too as well to keep their guys fresh.
Noesen: “I thought we were really good defensively. That led to our offense. The simplicity of the game. The shots. The tracking back. The reloads. Staying on the hunt, staying on the puck. We see what we’re capable of whenever we want to do that consistently throughout the whole 60. It’s good.”
• With the injury Arseny Gritsyuk, forward Juho Lammikko checked back into the lineup. And he took advantage after being a healthy scratch for the previous four games. Lammikko helped set up the Devils’ opening goal by carrying the puck with speed down the far side. He then made a nifty drop pass to Stefan Noesen, who was driving the net. Noesen shot far side and the puck found its way in for the tally.
Lammikko finished the day with two assists after being involved in Paul Cotter’s goal. But the most impressive thing was the vigor that Lammikko played with. He used his speed, he was engaged at both ends of the ice, he was winning puck battles. In summary, he was noticalbe all over the ice and was a true difference maker.
Lammikko: "Every time you get to play in this league and for this team, you do your best. Nothing special, just a simple hard game. ... Try to stay ready and work hard on the days you aren't playing. When you can jump in and try to help the team any way you can."
• Cotter’s goal was the culmination of work by the Devils over the span of several shifts. For four straight shifts, the Devils did a great job in the offensive zone. They cycled the puck well, maintaining possession. The D pinched at the appropriate times for support the cycle and possession. The forwards reloaded responsibly to secure the blue line when the D pinched. New Jersey pinned Anaheim in the defensive zone for a few shifts and the Devils built on that momentum with each shift. The end result was Cotter’s goal.
Keefe: “The second goal is a second period process. It’s just one shift after another, wearing the other team down enough. Good line change and hand it over to the next guy.”
• Cotter has three goals in three straight games.
Cotter: "I wouldn't say my play has jumped too much by any means. There have been a couple decisions in the offensive zone that sustained offensive time that I think was good. In terms of the goals themselves, I haven't upgraded or anything, they're just going that way. I'm getting an opportunity. Even the one today was a backdoor whack that found a lucky spot. There were times earlier in the year that I thought I was playing better than I am now and they weren't going in, so. I'm happy I found a good spot today and hopefully that puck luck continues."
• Three Devils recorded two-point games in Noesen (1g-1a), Lammikko (2a), Colton White (2a) and Ondrej Palat (2a).
• The Devils held the juggernaut Anaheim offense to without a shot for the opening 10-plus minutes of the game. Mason McTavish finally broke that drought with the Ducks first shot coming with 9:02 remaining in the first period.
• The Devils lost defenseman Simon Nemec to an injury suffered in practice on Friday. The lower-body issue will keep him out for “some time” and it’s longer than day-to-day. The club recalled Calen Addison ahead of the game though he was a healthy scratch.
