3 Takeaways From the Devils’ 3-2 Shootout Victory Over the Wild

On Monday, March 31, the New Jersey Devils hosted the Minnesota Wild. After defeating the Wild 5-2 on Saturday, March 29, the Devils hosted Minnesota for the second half of a home-and-home. The Devils once again took the victory, 3-2 in the shootout. New Jersey also takes the victory in the season series.

Devils Had 2 Goals Called Back

In the third period, Brett Pesce took a shot that landed on Filip Gustavsson’s back. Although the goal horn sounded and the Devils celebrated the goal, the officials immediately waved it off. The linesmen looked at the replay and saw Gustavsson catch the loose puck; it never fully crossed the goal line. It was officially waved off a second time. 

In overtime, Paul Cotter took a shot and buried the puck in the net. It appeared the Devils won the game, however, the linesmen announced the play was under review. The play was reviewed for offside and the second goal was waved off. The two teams played on. They completed the remaining time in overtime and headed to the shootout to determine the winner for the second time in this game. 

Cotter was up first for the Devils. He took a redemption shot and it made its way past Gustavsson. Jesper Bratt was next, and his shot also found the back of the net. Neither of the two Wild players scored in the shootout, so the Devils took the victory here. 

While the Devils could have let their frustration get to them after losing two goals in the same game, they instead played with vigor and determination. Cotter’s redemption shot in the shootout was the definition of determination. He got a goal back and helped the Devils win the game. Those two points they earned were huge. 

Devils Had a Strong Penalty Kill

The Devils took two penalties, both in the second period. Despite being down a player for four minutes, they held their own. New Jersey carried their lead into the third period after denying the Wild a chance to score.

Unfortunately, the Wild netted their first goal to tie the game shortly after the third period started. The Devils scored again to take the lead for the second time, but Minnesota scored another equalizer, forcing the game into overtime. Both of Minnesota’s goals were scored when the Devils were at full strength. New Jersey is currently ranked fourth overall in the league with their penalty kill percentage (PK%) at 82.2%. The Devils proved in this game why their PK percentage is so high. 

Hughes With Another 40-Point Season

Luke Hughes has been on a tear lately, and his performance in this game was no different. 

In the first period, Hughes kicked off the scoring for the Devils. Justin Dowling passed the puck to Pesce at the blue line. Pesce, in turn, passed to Hughes at the faceoff circle. He found an opening and took a shot, finding the back of the net. 

Hughes’ points did not stop there. Ten minutes into the third period, Hughes won the faceoff, sending the puck to Stefan Noesen. Noesen skated around and took the shot. Nico Hischier was in front of the net and tipped the puck into the net to give the Devils a lead again in this game.