Copyright yardbarker
The Devils had the only two shots of the overtime period The shots were even at 24 apiece in the full 60-plus minutes of play. Adapt and Overcome The Devils faced some adversity against Colorado, but they embodied the “bend, don’t break” phrase. In the first, they jumped out to an early two-goal lead and were controlling play. However, the Avalanche hung around and got one back on a bit of a fortunate bounce in front of Allen. After Pesce left the bench, the Devils looked disjointed, and Colorado benefited from failed zone clearances that gave them extended zone time, and they eventually tied the game. The second period was ugly for New Jersey, as they were clearly fighting the puck while simultaneously, the Avalanche had found their legs and were pressing. Despite allowing nine shots by Colorado and only generating three of their own, the Devils were opportunistic and cashed in on a breakaway chance. The third was much better for the Devils, who had the edge in play, but still, the Avalanche were able to tie things up a second time, sending the game to overtime, where the Devils put the final dagger in it. They faced adversity throughout the game but were able to withstand and respond each time, something that prior teams sometimes struggled with. They don’t let things spiral out of control when opponents are pressing and seem to have learned to navigate the natural ebbs and flows of games better than in previous seasons, which is a great sign. With an opponent as talented as the Colorado Avalanche, it isn’t realistic to expect to dominate the full 60 minutes, but the Devils weathered the storm when they needed to and grabbed the reins when the opportunity presented itself, leading to a win over a perennial cup contender. Who Steps Up? While the goalies’ health has improved, the injuries to skaters have piled up in the early going, forcing guys to step up into new roles. Gritsyuk has been impressive on the defensive side of the puck, something that has been a welcome surprise. His scoring touch is undeniable, but his work along the boards, forechecking and backchecking, along with making smart plays in the defensive zone and in close quarters, has made him a good fit in the top six alongside Hischier. Gritsyuk’s strong play gave Keefe the flexibility to move Mercer down to play third-line-center with Cody Glass out due to injury. Now, with Pesce out for at least the next four games, the rest of the defensemen will also have to adjust and step up to cover an integral cog in New Jersey’s defense group. Against the Avalanche, Nemec was up to the task, especially on the offensive side of the ice. He picked up three primary assists, including one on the overtime game-winner, and was a +2 on the afternoon. The Devils will likely call up another defenseman from the Utica Comets as they head on the road for four games. Seamus Casey made a strong impression last year, but started this season with an injury and only recently got back into game action with the Comets. He may get the call as the Devils look to cover for Pesce’s absence. Injury Updates Brett Pesce suffered an injury in the first period and left the game. He did not return. Postgame, Keefe indicated that it was an upper-body injury that resulted from a blocked shot. He also stated that Pesce is “not great” and will miss some time. He will not travel with the team as they depart on a four-game West Coast road trip. There was some positive injury news for the Devils, who saw Jacob Markstrom backing up Jake Allen on Sunday afternoon, indicating his return to action sometime in the next few games. In a corresponding move, Nico Daws was assigned to Utica following the game. The Devils hit the road for their West Coast swing, which kicks off on Tuesday night at Ball Arena, again, against the Colorado Avalanche. Puck drop is set for 9:00 p.m. on MSGSN2.
