Devils Snatch Must Win in a Shootout

The Prudential Center was a sight for sore eyes as the Devils skated back at home after a dismal road trip that saw them drop both contests. It certainly wasn’t easy but the Devils were able to get the two points against a team they absolutely needed to beat, the NHL’s worst team, the Buffalo Sabres.

The game started out positively enough for the Devils when, just six minutes in, Patrik Elias deflected in a goal on the power play to give the Devils an early 1-0 lead. However, that would be the last goal the Devils would score until the shootout.

Tyler Ennis surprised Cory Schneider with a quick wrist shot only 27 seconds into the third period to tie the game. The next 19 and a half minutes of regulation and five minutes of overtime were exciting and open as both teams traded chances including an Adam Henrique penalty shot that was saved by Sabres goalie Michael Neuvirth. Despite the many chances the game still found its way to a shootout, something the Devils are starting to warm up to again.

Scott Gomez used his quick hands to deke Neuvirth almost out of his pads before sliding the puck past him and Jacob Josefson used his speed to backhand a shot past the Sabres goalie. Schneider stood tall in his net as he stopped both Sabres shooters en route to the victory.

The Devils next play on Friday, February 20^th at 7:00 pm against the Vancouver Canucks on MSG+.