Despite outplaying the Maple Leafs for the vast majority of 65 minutes, the Devils were unable to close the game out as they lost in a skills competition, moving to 0-7 on the year in shootouts.
Adam Henrique and Ryane Clowe were the goal scorers for New Jersey while Cory Schneider, who was making his third consecutive start, stopped 23-25 shots he faced not including the shootout.
Tyler Bozak and James van Riemsdyk, who also scored the shootout winner, were the two players able to put pucks past Schneider.
10 notes:
1. I thought the Devils played an exceptional hockey game. Despite being in the 2nd game of a back-to-back against a fresh team and playing their 3rd game in four nights, they gave everything they had to go out and win a hockey game. They got into some penalty trouble in the 2nd period, but during 5 vs 5 they were clearly the superior team. They spent most of the game in the Leafs' zone and really did deserve better. They'll have to take the point and move on, though, as there's no room to dwell on points that got away. Onto the next one.
2. With the way things have gone in the shootouts for the Devils this season, it may be time to change things up. I recommend throwing Eric Gelinas out there next time and telling him to walk into a slapper. Couldn't be worse than what we've seen thus far, right? Scoring once in 23 attempts isn't exactly impressive.
3. Last shootout note: Maybe use Marek Zidlicky next time, too. He's ridiculously skilled and seems like a guy who could do well in those scenarios.
4. I loved what I saw from Mark Fayne last night. He was sound in his own zone, did a good job of moving the puck up ice and even had a few scoring chances himself. He's really, really starting to play well and he's seeing a good chunk of ice as a result. I don't know the market or who the Devils plan to move on defense, but I think Lou Lamoriello should hold onto No. 7.
5. Ryane Clowe continues to get better and better as he gets more comfortable in Pete DeBoer's system. He scored his first of the season on a nice breakaway move last night, and also added an assist giving him five points in his last four games. He hasn't been at all afraid to stick up for teammates, either, which is a nice quality to have.
6. How does Clowe's production compare to David Clarkson's? Clarkson has eight points on the year and three in his last 21 games. Clowe has five points in his last four games. I said in the summer I'd take Clowe over Clarkson, especially with less term and money on his contract. Thanks to Clowe for making me look good. It's early, but...
7. Jake Gardiner is going to want to burn the tape from last night's game, as it definitely wasn't his finest. He had a few turnovers and was seemingly hemmed in his own zone almost every time he was on the ice. I took to the numbers, and my observation turned out to be true.
5 vs 5 shot attempts for/against
Gardiner 8/36
That's, well, not good.
8. I like what I saw from the 4th line last night. Boucher, Loktionov, and Sislo were used pretty sparingly but when they were on the ice they were making things happen. They're not going to push anyone around, but that's a lot of speed and skill for a 4th line. They make things tougher on opposing teams, that's for sure.
9. Bryce Salvador has been pretty good since returning to the lineup, but I didn't like what I saw from him last night. He was OK for the most part and I did like his physicality, but his turnover in the 1st period led directly to a goal and he put the Devils behind the 8-ball early despite them being the better team.
10. Andy Greene played 30 minutes last night and looked good while doing it. That's pretty remarkable considering the competition he was playing against and the fact the Devils played on Saturday as well. He played almost 77 minutes during a three game stretch in four nights.
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