For the New Jersey Devils: Another game. Another blown lead. And another loss.
After an impressive victory over the New York Rangers, the Devils have lost two in a row to the Toronto Maple Leafs and Washington Capitals. Both of these teams are worthy opponents in which the Devils had a 2-1 lead. But costly mistakes on defense and turnovers still persist for the young team.
“We gave a good effort to come back there in the third scoring that goal to make it 4-3 and then we had chances to tie it up,… Devils defenseman Damon Severson said. “But overall the game could’ve went either way, to be honest.…
It could have went New Jersey’s way but it didn’t. In fact, the Devils have come close many times this season and have fallen short. The Devils have now lost 21 games this season in which they had a lead. It doesn’t help either that they have given up nearly a dozen shorthanded goals and numerous chances so far this season while being on the man advantage.
What can the Devils do to close out games?
For starters, it is a good thing that this young team has the ability to score and make their opponents work. What makes it frustrating are the lapses of judgement at times and undisciplined plays that lead to momentum changing goals for the opposing team. The Devils need to be more consistent and protect the puck better. Their game management has been awful mostly this season and the Devils effort is often wasted by untimely turnovers.
However, these issues are correctable. Although this season will have no playoff berth, the Devils need to focus on a team commitment to defense and closing out games for the rest of the season. If they do, Devils fans will see the team on the cusp for a playoff spot next season.
And it must start now. Or else next season will be the same old result.
Jack Hughes’ Clean Play
Jack Hughes is 10 points away from tying former New York Islander forward Butch Goring for the most points with zero penalty minutes in a season. Goring had 60 points in the 1980-81 season.
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Sam Woo is co-host and executive producer of the Let's Go Devils Podcast which can be heard live every Sunday at 9pm ET and Wednesday at 8:30pm ET.
You can follow Sam on Twitter: @PrimetimeSamWoo