Hockey Lackluster performance by Devils results in 5-3 loss to Panthers Devils fans filled the Prudential Center with, “we want Blackwood” chants while Domingue struggles. by Luke Porco February 12, 2020 The New Jersey Devils showed some grit and promise throughout Tuesday’s game against the Florida Panthers, but it was not enough, as lackluster defense and goaltending caused them to lose 5-3. The first period started off with a power-play goal from Jack Hughes, his first score since December 29. Devils interim head coach Alain Nasreddine praised Hughes after the game, saying, “It’s another step in the right direction. He stood out. That line’s getting better each and every game. Obviously, the snipe was good for his confidence on the power play…he gained a lot of confidence from that goal. He looked good the rest of the way.” The offense continued to be aggressive, as the Devils had many near scoring chances. However, the key problem throughout the night was the defensemen not protecting their zone. This led to the Panthers taking a 2-1 lead in the first period by goals from Brett Connolly and Michael Matheson, respectively. The Panthers carried that momentum early into the second period with a goal from Mark Pysyk. The Devils were able to counter that with a goal from Kevin Rooney. However, the Panthers took command of the game after that as they scored two goals in 39 seconds, from Frank Vatrano and Noel Acciari, respectively. The back-to-back goals given up by Devils goalie Louis Domingue caused fans to chant, “We want [Devils goalie Mackenzie] Blackwood” throughout the Prudential Center. While Domingue did not surrender another goal for the rest of the game, it brings up the question of who Nasreddine will start on Thursday vs. Detroit. Despite the promise shown by the offense, overall, the Devils could not bring it all together, due to the defense and goalie struggles. Defenseman Andy Greene talked about the team’s overall play, saying, “I think we need to be a little bit more engaged. I think we were at times, and then other times…we were just playing, not necessarily bad, not good. I think we just needed a little bit more emotion and a little bit more energy from everyone tonight.” The Devils will face the Detroit Red Wings at home on Thursday night before heading to North Carolina to face the Hurricanes. Post Views: 835 The following two tabs change content below.BioLatest Posts Luke Porco Latest posts by Luke Porco (see all) Women in Sports: Podcast Host, New York Riptide Sideline Reporter, Dani Wexelman - March 3, 2020 Lackluster performance by Devils results in 5-3 loss to Panthers - February 12, 2020 Devils Blow Three Goal Lead in 5-4 Overtime Loss to Habs - February 5, 2020 Eli Manning Set to Announce Retirement - January 23, 2020 Related TopicsAlain NasreddineBrett ConnollyFlorida PanthersFrank VatranoJack HughesLouis DomingueMark PysykMichael MathesonNew Jersey DevilsNoel Acciari Click to comment You must be logged in to post a comment Login Leave a Reply Cancel replyYou must be logged in to post a comment. Newsletter Subscription Can't Miss Posts! Women in Sports: NHL Network Host, Jackie Redmond by Nicholas Durst | posted on March 4, 2019 Women in Sports: Ariel Epstein, On-Air Host at SportsGrid (VIDEO) by Anthony Paradiso | posted on March 12, 2021 A Conversation with Nancy Newman: “We Are All a Yankee Family” by Elizabeth DiPietro | posted on July 27, 2020 Women in Sports: Podcast Host, New York Riptide Sideline Reporter, Dani Wexelman by Luke Porco | posted on March 3, 2020 A Look at Paternity Leave in MLB as Trout Becomes a Dad by Elizabeth DiPietro | posted on August 5, 2020 More in Hockey Tim Peel is Discharged After Caught on Hot Mic Tim Peel was Discharged from the NHL After He was Caught on the Hot... NHL, Amazon Web Services Partner to Develop New Stats, Data, and Insights The National Hockey League (NHL) is partnering with Amazon Web Services (AWS) in an... You Know I’m Right, Episode 81: ESPN’s Arda Ocal (Audio/Video) On the 81st episode of You Know I’m Right, Nick Durst and Joe Calabrese are joined by... You Know I’m Right, Episode 80: MSG Network’s Bill Pidto (Audio/Video) On the 80th episode of You Know I’m Right, Nick Durst and Joe Calabrese are joined by... Local Hockey Power Rankings- Week 18 Isles survive Philly, lose Cizikas to injury