3 Observations From Devils’ Game 2 Loss to Hurricanes

The New Jersey Devils suffer a demoralizing loss in Game 2 to fall into an 0-2 series hole versus the Carolina Hurricanes.

RALEIGH, NC -- The New Jersey Devils were overwhelmed by the Carolina Hurricanes for a second consecutive game. The club fell to their opponent by a final score of 6-1 in Game 2 at PNC Arena. Miles Wood scored the team's lone goal on Friday night, while Jesperi Kotkaniemi, Jordan Staal, Martin Necas, Jordan Martinook, and Stefan Noesen all found the back of the net for the Hurricanes.  

In the team's second-round series matchup versus the Hurricanes, Jesper Bratt, Nico Hischier, and Jack Hughes have combined for 11 shots and zero goals. 

Timo Meier missed the first game but returned to action wearing a full shield in Game 2. He did not shy away from playing in the dirty areas and was credited with two hits on the official scoresheet. After the game, head coach Lindy Ruff said he didn't think the former San Jose Sharks forward was up to speed but was in on a couple of opportunities. 

During his postgame media availability, Ruff spoke about his top player's struggles and lack of contribution. 

"I think if you look at our top players in the playoffs (it's) missed opportunities. When you get that one or two opportunities to make a difference, we haven't taken advantage of it," said Ruff. "I thought there were opportunities by our top players in both the first and second period to make a play or finish and score a goal, and we didn't get it done."

The postseason is a mental grind for players, and the team's young core is experiencing the emotional highs and lows that come with playoff hockey for the first time. 

"You can't let frustration creep into your game, and I thought I saw frustration, "explained Ruff. "I think they feel the pressure of not producing, and it's one of the worst places to be until you kind of get out of that little funk where you get one, and you get going again."

"What bothered me the most is that we just got outbattled,"  Hischier said. 

For 50 minutes, the Devils made mental mistakes, had blown coverage, and lost puck battles. The Hurricanes have undoubtedly been the better team, especially at five-on-five. The Hurricanes won most one-on-one battles and consistently out-hustled the Devils to loose pucks. 

Former Anaheim Ducks coach Dallas Eakins recently spoke on Sportsnet and shared an interesting fact that 80 percent of the puck time is within three feet of the wall in an NHL game. 

In Game 2, the Devils lost virtually every battle along the boards and found themselves chasing down their opponent instead of sustaining time in the offensive zone. If New Jersey can't win puck battles and play a strong physical game along the wall, the series will be over quickly.   

For the second consecutive game, Ruff made the decision to pull Akira Schmid in favor of Vitek Vanecek. It's difficult to blame a loss solely on a goaltender when the skaters in front of him are unable to generate anything offensively, but sometimes it's necessary to provide a spark to the team. 

After the game, Ruff spoke about his decision to let Vanecek play the final 20 minutes. 

"You need to get (Vanecek) some playing time, too," explained Ruff. "We'll have to make a decision on the next game, and I wanted to give him the opportunity to get into the mix tonight and the other night."

Schmid faced 25 shots and made 21 saves for a save percentage of .840, while Vanecek made eight saves on 10 shots. 

The Devils will return to New Jersey and play Game 3 in front of their fans at Prudential Center on Sunday, May 7. 

"Not much can be said about (tonight's) game," said Miles Wood postgame. "We gotta flush it and move on."