Here are my quick hits following the Devils’ 4-3 comeback OTW in Long Island heading into tonight’s game vs. SJS
What a tremendous comeback win for the Devils last night! For the Devils to give up two costly goals in the span of 1:56 to go down 3-1 in the latter half of the third period and be able to say, “You know what, we have the confidence and mental fortitude to not let this deflate us like it did in the CGY game; let's pushback, chip away at this deficit and get this game to OT, boys!” was remarkable, and tells us a lot about the maturity level of this team. They could have easily gone away and said, “It's just not our night,” like they did in this situation in CGY, but this time, we saw them push back and will themselves to a point and eventually two.
I just love the fact that the Devils are starting to learn how to manage the ups and downs, ebbs and flows of a hockey game, and finding ways to win in different situations. I have a strong feeling that this comeback-win is going to go a long way for the confidence of this group, as this is a big moment you can rally around in the room heading into tonight's game and this week’s trip to Florida, or even down the line when you find yourself needing a similar pushback.
There’s really no other way to articulate it; Jack Hughes is absolutely feeling it right now. Jack now has back-to-back GP with 3-PTS and a GWG, in addition to back-to-back years now of putting up a 2-goal + OT winner performance at UBS Arena. He's in a zone right now, that's for sure, and I know the energy at the Rock tonight is going to be electric as Devils fans anticipate a continuation of The Jack Hughes Show and this NJD winning streak tonight vs. SJS!
Here are my comments and footage around Jack from the postgame show last night.
Now, yes, the expectation is that the Devils leave tonight’s game with another 2 PTS under their belts, pick up their first four-game win streak since January of 2023 (5 GP), and feel good about themselves before heading back on the road for a tough business trip out in Florida.
However, I do want to reiterate my point from my last article that this is a dangerous game, just like the NYI game was set up to be. As I talk about in this clip below, there are a bunch of hungry Sharks with Devils ties on the other side of the ice tonight, and you know it's going to be easy for them to get up for this one. The Sharks have won 4 of their last 6 games, so don't let Shark Week continue at the Rock tonight!
Be sure to join Rachel and me on our pregame show tonight as we recap the big comeback on the Island and the Devils' last 7 GP, break down Stefan Noesen's presence at both 5v5 & on the PP, and preview the many SJS reunions at hand tonight. It all starts at 6:30 p.m. on MSGSN!
Let's Go Devils!
-Sal
Here are some graphics from last night's broadcast!
