It was a very full week in New Jersey Devils’ land: three games were on the docket as the regular season got into full swing. It was also the first week for each of their minor league teams in the AHL and ECHL. What were some of the notable news items from the week of October 17-23?
Three Games in Five Days
Devils Sink the Kraken in the First-Ever “Cryptid Cup”
The New Jersey Devils looked to carry over their winning ways against the expansion Seattle Kraken. The Devils netted two first-period goals, scored by forward Dawson Mercer and defenseman Damon Severson. Shortly after the second goal, forward Jack Hughes was ridden into the boards by Kraken defenseman Jeremy Lauzon. Hughes landed hard on his shoulder and did not return. Both teams scored in the second with Riley Sheahan and Jimmy Vesey trading goals. The Kraken seemed to have scored to get back within one with just over three minutes to go in the second. However, head coach Lindy Ruff challenged the goal and it turned out that forward Alex Wennberg was offside. Jared McCann scored on a 5-on-3 to bring the Kraken within one with 5:22 remaining. Pavel Zacha completed all scoring with 20 seconds remaining to ensure the win in the first-ever “Cryptid Cup.”
Capitals Dominate Devils
On Thursday, the Washington Capitals came to town. Last season, the Capitals took all eight meetings against the New Jersey Devils. Thursday night was an example as to why the Caps were the better team, taking a 2-0 lead in the first period. Forwards Anthony Mantha and Dmitry Orlov put two past goaltender Scott Wedgewood in the first period. Daniel Sprong used his speed to put the Capitals up 3-0 with 9:56 remaining in the second. Evgeny Kuznetsov added to the Caps’ lead in the third period. Goaltender Vitek Vanecek’s shutout bid was spoiled by Devils forward Janne Kuokkanen’s power play goal with 6:42 remaining in the game. Things got chippy towards the end with the teams trading penalties, but the game was already in hand with the Capitals up 4-1.
Zacha the Hero in Nico Daws’ Debut
Prior to Thursday’s game against Washington, the New Jersey Devils called up goaltender Nico Daws from Utica. On Saturday, he got the nod in net against the Buffalo Sabres and Daws did not disappoint. The 20-year old made the most of his NHL debut with 24 saves in the Devils 2-1 overtime win. The Sabres started the scoring at 3:19 into the game when Dylan Cozens scored a power play goal. The two teams remained scoreless until the third period when Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin was called for interference. Nico Hischier picked up the rebound of defenseman Dougie Hamilton’s shot and put it past Sabres’ goaltender Dustin Tokarski. Neither team scored the rest of the way, and the game went to overtime. Zacha picked up a nifty backhand pass from Severson and snapped a wrist shot past Tokarski’s glove side to end the game.
Impact of Hughes Injury and More
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After Tuesday’s game, Jack Hughes had an MRI on his shoulder. The results of the MRI were that Hughes suffered a separated shoulder. The New Jersey Devils stated on their website that he would not require surgery and Hughes would be reevaluated next week. He was placed on injured reserve. Devils fans everywhere are breathing a big sigh of relief. Hughes has been a big part of the offense and clearly was the catalyst for the Devils offense. The goaltending situation for the Devils got worse with Mackenzie Blackwood’s lower body issue and Jonathan Bernier is now listed as day-to-day. Two key defensemen were activated from injured reserve this week. Severson was activated in time for Tuesday’s game against Seattle and scored a goal in his return. Ty Smith made his season debut in Saturday’s game against Buffalo. Smith registered 20:29 of ice time in 24 shifts.
Minor League Report
Seasons for the New Jersey Devils’ American Hockey and East Coast Hockey League affiliates began this week. The Utica Comets started their 2021-22 AHL campaign with a 3-0 record with wins over Rochester, Providence, and Syracuse. Defenseman Reilly Walsh leads all Comets players with four points (4 A) and forward Alexander Holtz leads the team with 3 goals. Daws started the season in net for Utica, but Akira Schmid has filled in admirably since Daws was called up to the NHL. Schmid has a 0.97 GAA and two wins. This week, the Comets have only one game, which will be at home against Lehigh Valley.
The Adirondack Thunder, the Devils’ ECHL affiliate, played their first home game at COOL Insuring Arena in 592 days on Saturday night. However, the Thunder would fall to the Newfoundland Growlers, 3-2, in a North Division game. In what seems like a familiar theme for every team in the Devils’ system, the Thunder scored less than a minute into the contest. Forward Robbie Payne scored 45 seconds into the contest. The Growlers would score the next three goals to take a 3-1 lead after two periods. Defenseman Joe Masonius scored with 1:05 remaining in the game, but the Thunder couldn’t complete the comeback. This week, the Thunder will host Worcester on Wednesday night and Reading on Saturday night.
Goal of the Week
The goal of the week this week comes courtesy of New Jersey Devils rookie forward Dawson Mercer. Welcome to the NHL, kid! Devils fans hope this is the first of many.
WELCOME TO THE NHL DAWSON MERCER pic.twitter.com/lZ5t0CXr2f
— Devils on MSG (@DevilsMSGN) October 19, 2021
Save of the Week
Another rookie making a difference this week for the New Jersey Devils was goaltender Nico Daws. This save by Daws against the Sabres kept the score tied and led to an eventual Devils win.
Daws does it again ?? pic.twitter.com/jri2Wepofc
— Devils on MSG (@DevilsMSGN) October 24, 2021
The Week Ahead
The Devils conclude their five-game homestand on Tuesday when they face Calgary. Their first away game of the season will be in Pittsburgh as they face the Penguins on Saturday night.
