Devil’s Valiant Effort Against Canadians Ends in Disappointing 3-2 Shootout Loss

Adam Henrique of the Devils fights for position in front of the Canadien’s goal. Photo Credit: Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

EAST HANOVER, NJ – It looked like the perfect scenario for the New Jersey Devils midway through the second.Stempniak blasted in a power-play goal to give the Devils (11-9-2) a 2-0 lead over the NHL’s top ranked team in the Montreal Canadiens (18-4-2).

However, to put away good teams in today’s league, the Devils know all too well that it takes a full 60 minute effort. That did not happen. The Canadiens continued to hang around in the third period in a one goal contest. Then, at the 11:14 mark, Alex Galchenyuk scored on a backhander that he lifted past Corey Schneider to knot the contest at two apiece.

With neither team able to score in the 3 on 3 overtime period, the game headed into a shootout. Jacob Josefson scored on Canadien’s goaltender Mike Condon, but Lee Stempniak, Adam Henrique and Patrick Elias were unable to find the back of the cage as Sven Andrighetto ended up with the game winner for Montreal.

The Devils lost a game in which they have only themselves to blame, in a 3-2 defeat on Friday night at the Prudential Center. New Jersey has now lost four out of their last five contests after having a surprisingly fast start to their season.

The Good – The Devils were the better team through the first two periods on Friday night and it showed in the shot department. They were outshooting the Canadiens 22-14 and controlled puck possession by passing and cycling well in their offensive zone.

Adam Henrique and the power-play continue to be strong assets for New Jersey thus far. Henrique connected in the beginning of the second period off a nice feed from John Moore in the slot. He leads the Devils with 11 goals. A few minutes later, Stempniak scored on the man advantage off his own rebound. The Devils rank 6th overall when they are a man up.

The Bad – The Devils played on their heels in the third period. They did not have as much fire power and were not taking the play to their opponents like they were earlier in game. The overtime period was not kind to New Jersey either, as they had only one shot in the five-minute stanza.

New Jersey had glorious chance in the overtime period when Andrighetto was called for holding on Kyle Palmieri. Not only did they not score on the 4 on 3 chance, but Eric Gelinas received a hooking penalty midway through.

With the shootout tied at one goal apiece, Stempniak had a golden opportunity to end the game for New Jersey. He beat Condon on his left side, but hit the post on his shot attempt.

What’s Next – The Devils will have little, to no time to catch their breath after this one. They play the second of a home-and-home stand against Montreal tomorrow at 7 p.m. at the Belle Centre.