They say if you can do something once you can do it twice.
The New Jersey Devils proved that theory to be true as, less than a week after an impressive 4-2 win over Chicago, they were able to beat the defending champs for the second time in as many games.
The Devils were far from perfect but timely scoring and an excellent performance from Cory Schneider was enough to hand Chicago their 2nd regulation loss at home in 10 games this season.
Notes:
1) It took some time but Sergei Kalinin is really starting to come into his own. He has three points and nine shots in his last three games after recording just one point and eight shots in his first 12 NHL games.
He's looking more confident with the puck as each game passes, he is using his body more to protect the puck, and get to the dirty areas, and he's playing with good pace.
As a result he's getting an opportunity to play alongside Travis Zajac and Kyle Palmieri and is playing important minutes in all situations. His goal came on the man advantage and he was out in the last minute defending the lead, too. He's really earning the trust of John Hynes and the coaching staff.
2) One thing I've loved about Kalinin thus far is his emotion. He gets really excited when he makes something happen on the ice and it's really fun to watch from afar.
Sergei Kalinin likes scoring goals. https://t.co/uQrPkClCpL
— Todd Cordell (@ToddCordell) November 13, 20153) Cory Schneider was once again stellar and is as big of a reason as any that they managed another win over the Blackhawks. He stopped 27-29 and made several Grade A stops throughout the night.
Including last night Schneider has allowed two goals or less in six consecutive games and has posted at least a .923 save percentage in all six outings. He's playing unbelievably well right now and is giving the Devils a chance to win every night. That's all they can ask.
4) Jon Merrill hasn't been very good this season but Thursday night was probably a new low. It seemed New Jersey was in trouble every time he was on the ice and he couldn't even complete the simplest of plays. He bobbled pucks, he was out muscled several times, and he looked lost in coverage all night long. I don't mean to pile on the guy - he surely knows he's playing poorly - but he needs to be much better than he's been of late. I think Eric Gelinas should take his spot next time out.
5) It's been a rough year for Stefan Matteau but I thought he played well in Chicago. He was physical, disruptive on the forecheck and he had a couple solid chances throughout. Matteau was also one of the team's best possession players. Hopefully this is a sign of things to come.
6) Kyle Palmieri: 14 points, 40 shots in 16 games. I'm thinking he was worth the 2nd and 3rd; especially because the Devils grabbed a 2016 3rd by moving down a few slots in the 2nd round when they drafted Mackenzie Blackwood.
Speaking of Blackwood he stopped 25-25 Thursday night in Team OHL's 3-0 win over Team Russia in the Subway Super Series.
It's probably safe to say he's got a leg up over everyone else when it comes to starting for Team Canada at the World Juniors.
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