It didn't go as planned, but New Jersey managed to pull off a dramatic comeback victory over the Capitals to launch themselves into playoff position.
Led by big efforts from Jaromir Jagr, Andy Greene, and several other veterans, the Devils crawled out of a 4-2 deficit in the 3rd period and went on to top the Capitals in overtime.
Jagr, Zubrus, Greene and Zidlicky (2) scored for the Devils while Martin Brodeur did just enough (stopped 18-22) to help the Devils come away with two points.
10 notes:
1. It wasn't as smooth a ride as it should have been, but that was a dominant effort from the Devils and to me was arguably their best game of the season. They outplayed the Capitals severely, but thanks to a couple defensive blunders and a highly mediocre performance from Brodeur, the Devils almost lost this game. Down 3-1 on the road entering the 3rd period after carrying the first 40 minutes of play, it would have been easy for the Devils to mail it in. The same thing goes after that deflating goal Brodeur allowed in the 3rd period after New Jersey scored to make it a 3-2 game. The Devils didn't hang their heads, stuck with the game plan and eventually were rewarded for their efforts. They now sit in a playoff position as a result.
2. Shots: 37-22, Devils. Shot attempts: 72-37, Devils. What a clinic.
3. I'm running out of words to describe Jaromir Jagr and what he's doing for the Devils. He continues to produce on a nightly basis and at the age of 41 he's on pace for a 73 point season. Not only did he have a three-point night against Washington, but his forecheck forced Braden Holtby to play the puck before he wanted to and that led directly to the game-tying-goal. No. 68 is ridiculous.
4. Sticking with Jagr, his power play goal last night tied him with Mark Messier for 7th all time in goals with 694. It seems like every night he reaches a new milestone.
5. It really is a shame that Andy Greene won't be able to play for Team USA. He's on pace for 45 points, is 5th among American defenseman in points with 20 and is playing 25 minutes on a nightly basis. To think that this guy didn't even get an invite to play for the Americans during last year's World Championships is ludicrous.
6. Travis Zajac put on an absolute show last night. The Capitals' top line combined for one point (an Ovechkin goal) and it was scored when Zajac wasn't on the ice against them. Despite spending a good portion of his 23:17 shadowing Nicklas Backstrom and company, he was a 77% possession player and had two primary assists, including a beautiful feed on the game-tying goal. It's time to start giving this guy some credit. He's playing incredible hockey.
7. Here is a visual of Zajac's efforts against the Capitals. A quick reminder that almost all of his ice was spent shadowing either Backstrom or Grabovski and going up against the Caps' top defense pairing.
8. I thought Marek Zidlicky played very well for the most part. He scored two big goals, including his 1st of the season at evens, and was creating chances offensively all game. He takes too many penalties and he's not great defensively, but his offensive production from the back end has been a huge help for a Devils team that often struggles to put the puck in the net.
9. Jon Merrill continues to develop into a stud right before our eyes. He played 23:20 and was on the ice for 24 shot attempts for, and only 14 against. Merrill did that while going up against Mike Green's defense pairing and Martin Erat's forward line as his primary competition. He's gaining Pete DeBoer's trust in a hurry.
10. Cory Schneider should start Monday. Brodeur got the win, but he was pretty shaky.
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