It certainly wasn't pretty, but the New Jersey Devils managed to squeeze out an ugly win at home against the Buffalo Sabres to extend their winning streak to two games.
The Devils have now won two consecutive games after a three-game losing streak following a successful west coast trip.
Steve Bernier was the game's lone goal-scorer while Cory Schneider made 15 stops for his second shutout of the season and third straight win.
Some notes:
- Schneider wasn't tested often, but he did make a few big stops when he had to. A couple of his biggest saves came directly after mishandling the puck, so perhaps he should stop trying to do that so often. He's an excellent goaltender, but it's pretty uncomfortable watching him try to play the puck. It seems 50% of the time he leaves his net the opposing team gets a scoring chance.
Either way, Schneider got the job done last night and has now won three consecutive starts after losing eight of his first nine as a Devil. Schneider has a 1.72 goals against average, a pair of shutouts and a .927 save percentage to go with it. Not bad, huh?
- I don't want to carry the guy's water, but I'm going to. Eric Gelinas is developing into a stud right before our eyes. As I said, we all knew of his offensive abilities, but the improvement in his own zone from when he was first recalled until now is remarkable. He still has his lapses at times, but for the most part his positioning is very good, and he's getting more physical with each passing game. You never say never in hockey, especially with Lou Lamoriello as GM, but I think Gelinas is here to stay.
- The perception is Pete DeBoer hates playing his young talent, but he's sort of killing that theory with his player management of late. Gelinas has been playing a boat load, Merrill played 21:48 last night (2nd among Devils defenseman) and he benched his son Pete Harrold a couple of times so he could play both rookie defenseman. That says a lot.
- I thought Travis Zajac was very good again last night. He played two of his best games of the season against the Carolina Hurricanes and he's carrying that momentum forward. He didn't get on the scoresheet, but he was good defensively, had plenty of chances and won almost 60% of his faceoffs. Zajac looks a lot more confident with the puck of late which is certainly a good sign for the Devils and their fans.
- Last night was just another day at the office for Andy Greene. He recorded his 10th point over the last 12 games and played almost 27 minutes of steady hockey in the win. He played tough minutes, too, including over five on the penalty kill. Nobody realizes just how good this guy is and I think he should get serious consideration for Team USA's Olympic team. Seriously.
- Andrei Loktionov didn't play a ton (14:41) but I thought he was effective last night. He had a lot of jump in his step and was creating chances offensively almost every time he was on the ice. Good to see.
- Nice to see Steve Bernier score a big goal after struggling to find the back of the net for so long. He now has two goals this year and they were both bardown or off the post and in. If you give him some time, he can shoot the puck.
- You wouldn't know it from looking at the scoreboard, but I thought the Devils carried play for almost the entire game. They got into penalty trouble in the 2nd which gave the Sabres a bunch of scoring opportunities, however, when playing 5 vs 5 the Devils had a decisive advantage in the game. New Jersey outshot them 18-9 while playing full strength.
- Next up for New Jersey is a home and home against the streaking Montreal Canadiens. They'll need to play smart hockey and stay out of the penalty box because the Habs will bury them if they don't.
Prospect Updates
- Ryan Kujawinski scored his 10th goal of the season in a 6-4 Kingston win over a poor Belleville Bulls team. He now has 10 goals and 18 points in 21 games with the Frontenacs this season.
- Ben Johnson scored a pair of goals for Windsor in in their 6-3 win over the Sarnia Sting. Johnson now has 11 goals and 17 points in 20 games after tallying just 37 points all of last season. Johnson's Spitfires are hanging tough in a ridiculously competitive Western Conference, but they might sell off a few of their big name players and Johnson may be among that group. They could probably get a good haul for him as he's the kind of guy you want on your team in the playoffs.
- Out west Graham Black recorded a pair of assists and was plus-3 in 4-3 Swift Current win. Black is having a nice overage season for the Broncos as he's been a pretty consistent offensive threat. He now has 15 goals and 38 points in 29 games to date.
- Damon Severson continued to do Damon Severson things as he got on the scoresheet once again with an assist. The smooth skating two-way defenseman has six goals and 21 points in just 22 games this season. He's all but a lock to be on Team Canada's World Junior team this year.
- The baby Devils broke out offensively last night and set a franchise record for most goals scored in a game. They beat the Bridgeport Sound Tigers 8-6 in what was a gruelling defensive battle. Stefan Matteau scored a pair and added an assist in the win to extend his point streak to five games. After a terrible start to the season, he now has 10 points in his last eight games. Perhaps he's turned a corner.
- Reece Scarlett added a goal and an assist in the win and now has five points in his last six games. He seems to be enjoying life without Jon Merrill and Eric Gelinas playing in front of him.
- Reid Boucher scored his team-high 10th goal of the season in the win and now has 18 points in 21 games this season. Not a bad start to his pro hockey career.
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