Is the New Jersey Devils' Power Play the Key to Their Success Against Tampa Bay Lightning?

In a closely contested match that saw the New Jersey Devils edge out the Tampa Bay Lightning with a final score of 3-2, both teams showcased their strengths and weaknesses. The Devils improved their season record to 26-15-4, while the Lightning's record now stands at 22-15-3.

Game Highlights

The game was a testament to resilience and strategic play, particularly from the New Jersey Devils who capitalized on crucial moments. Stefan Noesen emerged as one of the stars of the game, scoring a pivotal goal that contributed significantly to his team's victory. His performance was complemented by Jack Hughes, who not only scored once but also assisted another goal, showcasing his dual threat capability on ice. Jacob Markstrom's goaltending was another cornerstone of the Devils' success; he saved 23 shots out of 25, maintaining a save percentage of 100 percent throughout this intense matchup.

On offense, Dougie Hamilton and Jesper Bratt were instrumental in setting up plays and creating scoring opportunities for their team. Hamilton added an assist to his season tally while maintaining a plus-minus score of +2, indicating his positive impact on ice during even-strength play. Bratt’s two assists were crucial in facilitating goals for the Devils, proving once again why he is considered one of their key playmakers.

Tampa Bay Lightning's Effort

Despite falling short in overtime, Tampa Bay Lightning showed commendable effort throughout all periods. Their goaltender faced an onslaught from the Devils but managed to save 23 shots out of 26 attempts. The Lightning’s defense blocked an impressive number of shots (13), demonstrating their commitment to limiting scoring opportunities for opponents.

Looking Ahead

The New Jersey Devils are set to host Florida Panthers at Prudential Center in Newark on January 14th at 7:30 PM EDT. Fans can catch this upcoming game live on ESPN+ or Hulu for what promises to be another exciting matchup as part of their regular-season campaign.

This recent victory over Tampa Bay highlights several areas where New Jersey excels – notably power plays and critical saves under pressure – which could be key factors as they prepare for future games against formidable opponents like Florida Panthers.

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