For the Devils, these are peculiar times in New Jersey. Put another way, the Devils are going through odd times in Boston and Florida. It was a three-game road trip for the New Jersey Devils since our last stock up/stock down. The Devils started their journey against the Tampa Bay Lightning after taking four days off and having half of their team in the hospital. They fought back to force overtime after falling behind 3-1, but they were unable to find an extra point and lost 4-3.
They ended their nine-game winning streak by defeating the Florida Panthers 4-1 thanks to outstanding goaltending and a strong team effort. They played the Boston Bruins in an MLK Day matinee less than 48 hours later.
The Devils lost 3-0 despite another solid effort in goal. The offense failed to materialize. Despite their long list of injuries, the Devils put in a lot of effort and battled hard against three very strong clubs.
Despite yet another strong showing in goal, the Devils fell short, 3-0. The offense did not come to pass. The Devils pushed hard against three very tough clubs and put in a lot of effort despite their long list of injuries.
Nico Dews
Nico Daws is the man who has been this week’s unsung hero. He made two grade-A stops in his opening game against the Panthers to help keep the Devils ahead. Though more significantly, he finished with a 2.42 GSAx, saving 36 of 37 shots. The Devils have been aching for a goalie to step in and produce saves that are both timely and above expectations, and Daws has been providing just that. He gave another outstanding effort against the Bruins, capping after a fantastic one against the Panthers. In addition to recording an even more remarkable 2.66 GSAx, he made 33 of 35 saves. Unfortunately, there was not enough offensive play in the Bruins game, but Daws has been holding his own.
Starting your Sunday with Nico Daws highlights. pic.twitter.com/YaSgwcaGy0
— New Jersey Devils (@NJDevils) January 14, 2024
Reduce Inventory:Vitek VanecekMoving on to the next goaltender.
Vanecek makes the list this week for a good cause, but hopefully this is the last time he appears on it. Vanecek only made one start during their matchup with the Lightning, making only 16 of 20 saves. He also posted another negative GSAx, just like he has done the entire season. With his official -1.72 GSAx against the Lightning, he became the NHL’s worst goalie. His GSAx of -13.4 is the lowest in the league. With Vanecek, a send-down to the AHL is now a viable option. A choice regarding Vanecek will need to be taken as soon as possible because the Devils’ schedule doesn’t appear to be getting any easier.
Do we even need the poll?
Your @NewAmsterdam Goal of the Game 👇🤩 pic.twitter.com/zMpMhMwD2E
— Tampa Bay Lightning (@TBLightning) January 12, 2024
Be prepared, Jesper Bratt
Jesper Bratt had to step up for the Devils because they were lacking key players due to injuries. Thankfully, he has performed that way in the last few games. Going back to Jack Hughes’s injury, Bratt has improved, but he has also been a threat on the ice throughout this three-game road trip. In back-to-back games against the Panthers and Lightning, Bratt scored a goal. He also had the most shots on the squad in both contests, with seven and five, respectively. In terms of goals (16), assists (30), and points (46), Bratt now leads the Devils. While they wait for their injured reinforcements to return, the team will need his hard efforts to help remain afloat.
We’re gonna say this goal is Bratt’s because you should Vote Bratt.#NHLAllStarVote Jesper Bratt pic.twitter.com/HDbUy4vRBx
— New Jersey Devils (@NJDevils) January 12, 2024
Hold On To The Power Move
What used to be a ray of hope has now become a horror. The Devils had the best power play in the NHL for the most of the season. They were still a top-two team in the league and a constant danger, even though the % was unsustainable.
GO, SHORTY 👏 pic.twitter.com/YR3Dns1C5U
— Tampa Bay Lightning (@TBLightning) January 12, 2024
