Offensive Onslaught Helps Devils Snap Skid

The Devils have been struggling to score goals during their losing streak. They solved that Saturday night, getting 5 goals in regulation, while getting some revenge against the Caps with a shootout win.

The game went back and forth; neither team really keeping momentum for very long. The Devils didn't waste any time, striking first just a minute into the opening period. The Caps came storming back with two more goals in the period, one again on the powerplay, taking a 2-1 lead into the intermission.

The second period brought more back and forth action. The Devils tied the game on Jamie Langenbrunner’s fourth of the year. Patrick Elias gave the Devils the lead again with his powerplay goal. The Capitals tied the game up once again on Viktor Kozlov’s goal. The teams would head to the third deadlocked at three a piece.

The third period was no different than those prior. Elias scored his second of the game to give the Devils the lead for the third time, 4-3. However, just two minutes later Washington tied the game once again. Brian Gionta’s goal seemed like it would hold up to be the game-winner for a while. The Capitals pulled their goalie, and after confusion in front of the net, Alex Ovechkin buried the puck as time expired to send the game to overtime.

A scoreless overtime meant the game would be decided in a shootout. The Devils really needed this win, after giving up four different leads and having lost four straight. Zach Parise did what he’s done all season long; be clutch. His backhand to forehand move caught Theodore completely off-guard, giving the Devils a 1-0 lead in the shootout. That would be all they needed. Scott Clemmensen shut the door on all three Capital shooters, ensuring the Devils of their first win in a while.

Notes:

Devils got their offense, but almost lost because of their defense.
Penalty kill units give up another powerplay goal.
The Devils powerplay is third worst in the NHL, while their penalty kill is second worst.