Devils Falter, Fall to Maple Leafs in Shootout

The Devils looked to get back on track against Toronto Thursday night, but were stunned again, losing to the Maple Leafs 6-5 in a shootout. This is the Devils third straight loss, after starting the season 5-1.

The Devils looked like they had found their rhythm, taking a 2-0 lead. They received goals from David Clarkson and Dainius Zubrus. New Jersey was looking solid going into the second period with the 2-0 lead.

The second period was not as sweet for the Devils. They squandered the two goal lead in just a three minute and eighteen second time frame. The Maple Leafs scored three unanswered goals, including two on the powerplay, to take a 3-2 lead. Matt Stajan connected twice and Alexander Steen connected as well for Toronto. This quickly turned into a high-scoring, back and forth game in the second. Jamie Langenbrunner scored for the Devils about two minutes later to tie the game up at three a piece. The Devils were not done. Colin White's shot from the point made its way through to give the Devils back the lead 4-3. They would carry this lead into the third period.

The third period brought back some more of this back and forth scoring. Toronto's Jamal Mayers tied the game up at four nine minutes and fifteen seconds into the period. Toronto sustained its pressure, taking the lead once again about a minute later. The Devils would not say die. They struck for their fifth goal of the game about a minute later. Zach Parise recorded his fifth straight game with a goal. The game would need some extra time, as the third period ended deadlocked at five.

Overtime brought more excitement. The Devils, however, failed to score on their 4 on 3 powerplay opportunity in the overtime. The game would need a shootout to decide its winner. Still tied after the first third shooters had gone, Niklas Hagman scored the game-winning shootout goal for the Leafs.

The Devils look to rebound Saturday, when they face the Atlanta Thrashers. The Devils have lost three straight, including one in regulation, in overtime, and in a shootout.


Notes:

Toronto was 3-4 on the powerplay.
Devils allowed a season high 48 shots on goal.
Andy Greene of the Devils recorded a career high in assists and points (3).