It\u2019s been a busy couple of weeks \u2013 both for me personally and for the New Jersey Devils. I relaunched my podcast No Credentials Required (new episodes drop on Mondays and Wednesdays) and the New York Jets had two games last week. Since I\u2019m the Jets beat writer, I needed to cover them. Now I\u2019m back with Devils coverage to sum up the week and this week, the Devils made their first West Coast trip in nearly two years. How did the Devils fare and what\u2019s coming up for them this week?<\/p>

Devils Goin’ Back to Cali<\/h2>

Gibson, Ducks Blank Devils<\/h3>

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The New Jersey Devils then went on their first West Coast trip for three games in four nights. Their first destination was the Honda Center in Anaheim to face an improved Ducks team. This was a forgettable night for the Devils as they couldn\u2019t seem to get things going. Forward Ryan Getzlaf<\/a> scored on the power play to give the Ducks a 1-0 lead at the 12:05 mark. Forward Troy Terry<\/a> scored the next two goals for the Ducks \u2013 one on the power play \u2013 and forward Isac Lundestrom<\/a> scored a shorthanded goal to close out the scoring. Ducks goaltender John Gibson<\/a> made 28 saves and blanked the Devils for his first shutout of the season.<\/p>

Devils Rally, But Fall to Kings in OT<\/h3>

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Two nights later, the Devils faced the Los Angeles Kings. Neither team scored until Kings forward Adriam Kempe<\/a> scored with just two seconds remaining in the second. Devils forward Jesper Bratt<\/a> responded early in the third with a goal to tie the game for the Devils. Then, came the worst period probably ever for defenseman Damon Severson<\/a>. First, he was called for tripping at the 7:06 mark. It was followed by an interference call at 10:41. Finally, a high-sticking penalty followed, which the Kings capitalized on with a goal by Arthur Kaliyev<\/a>. With the net empty, Pavel Zacha<\/a> tied the game with 24 seconds remaining. The Kings made short work of the extra frame as Philp Danault<\/a> forced a turnover from defenseman Ty Smith<\/a> deep in the Devils’ zone. He found Alex Iafallo<\/a> in front, who put the puck past goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood<\/a> and the Kings took the W, 3-2.<\/p>

Devils Bounce Back in San Jose<\/h3>

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The Devils had a quick turnaround with a trip north to San Jose to face the Sharks. A scoreless tie was broken 4:48 into the second period as forward Rudolpfs Balcers<\/a> scored to give the Sharks the lead. Defenseman Ryan Graves<\/a> scored his first goal as a New Jersey Devil with 3:15 remaining in the period to tie the score. A powerplay goal by Jonathan Dahlen<\/a> gave the Sharks the lead back. Forward Janne Kuokkanen<\/a> leveled the score for the Devils with 2:56 remaining. Neither team scored in the extra frame, so the Devils would have their second shootout of the week. Bratt and Logan Couture<\/a> scored for each team, but the game-winning goal was scored by the unlikeliest of scorers: Damon Severson. The Devils concluded their Pacific Division swing with a win over the Sharks, 3-2.<\/p>

Transactions: Wedgewood Placed on Waivers, Holtz Makes Devils\u2019 Debut<\/h2>

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This week, the New Jersey Devils made two notable transactions. First, the Devils waived goaltender Scott Wedgewood<\/a>, who was released after Sunday’s game against Columbus. In three games with the Devils this season, Wedgewood went 0-2-1 with a 3.19 GAA and an .880 save percentage. It\u2019s no secret that the Devils\u2019 goaltender room is a tad crowded with both Blackwood (heel) and Jonathan Bernier<\/a> (hip) returning from injury. The Arizona Coyotes claimed Wedgewood off waivers on Thursday. Wedgewood is no stranger to the Coyotes; he was traded to Arizona in 2017-18 and spent 25 games with the Coyotes. Wedgewood\u2019s first game back as a Coyote was a successful one; he backstopped the Yotes to their first win in 2021-22 with a 3-2 win against Seattle.<\/p>

The Wedgewood transaction made room to call up forward Alexander Holtz<\/a> from Utica. Holtz has been a wagon for the Comets; in four games, the Devils prospect has five goals, including one on the power play. Every Devils fan knew this was going to happen eventually, especially with Jack Hughes<\/a> being out for an extended period (more on that later). Holtz was a healthy scratch against Anaheim, but made his NHL debut on Friday against the Kings. Holtz has four SOG in two games with the Devils and has averaged about 13:33 of ice time playing on a line with Dawson Mercer<\/a> and Yegor Sharangovich<\/a>. Time will tell how long Holtz will be with the Devils, but hopefully, he\u2019ll make a difference offensively.<\/p>

You better believe they gave the kid his moment.

Congrats, Alex. Welcome to The Show. pic.twitter.com\/VKG2UHC718<\/a><\/p>— New Jersey Devils (@NJDevils) November 6, 2021<\/a><\/blockquote>