Detriot Too Much for New Jersey

The Red Wings stifled the Devils on this Saturday night, defeating them 3-1. Marian Hossa struck twice for Detroit.

Hossa started the scoring only three and a half minutes into the game. Detroit kept up the pressure all period, but could not capitalize on a five-on-three powerplay opportunity. The Wings took the 1-0 lead into the second period.

Zach Parise helped the Devils get back on track with his team-leading tenth goal of the year. He deflected a shot past Detroit’s Chris Osgood. The Devils seemed to gain some momentum in the second, out-shooting Detroit by four. The Devils had been out-shot by four in the first period. However, Hossa scored his second goal of the game to give the Red Wings the lead once again. Osgood came up huge, moving swiftly across the net mouth and stopping a shot by Patrick Elias with the blade of his stick. He quickly fell on the puck before it crossed the goal-line. Detroit ended the period just as they ended the previous, with a one-goal lead.

Detroit stalled any chance the Devils had to get back in the game, when Kirk Maltby connected for his first goal of the year. The Devils trailed 3-1 and were not able to mount any comeback.

Kevin Weekes started for the Devils for the third straight game. He made 28 saves in the loss, but made some big saves at times. Osgood stopped 24 of the 25 shots he faced, some larger than others. The Rangers also lost by a score of 3-1 tonight, allowing the Devils not to fall behind them any further. However, Pittsburgh defeated the Islanders, moving past the Devils for second in the division.

Notes:

Teams combined to go 0-7 on the powerplay.
Paul Martin was scratched once again from the lineup.
Devils get little rest, facing the Edmonton Oilers tomorrow night at 7:30.