The Devils are sixth in the Metropolitan Division with a record of 17-13-2.
The Devils are sixth in the Metropolitan Division with a record of 17-13-2.
The New Jersey Devils jumped back into the win column Saturday night, beating the Detroit Red Wings 3-2. Timo Meier (2) and Tyler Toffoli scored for New Jersey, while Patrick Kane and Shayne Gostisbehere found the back of the net for Detroit. Goaltender Vitek Vanecek made 22 saves on 24 shots.
For the 23rd time this season, the Devils surrendered the game's opening goal. While the play developed differently, the goal itself was eerily similar to the Edmonton Oilers' first goal on Thursday night. In both cases, the opposing player was on the same side of the net, a few feet away from the Devils netminder, with no one around to challenge him.
Meier scored his first of the night with a little over eight minutes into the game. Initially, his linemates Michael McLeod and Dawson Mercer were credited with the assists, but his goal was changed to unassisted after the game.
After 40 minutes, the Red Wings had a 2-1 lead over the Devils. Early in the third period, Meier scored his second of the game. Assists were handed out to Luke Hughes and Mercer but were once again changed after the game to unassisted. With over seven minutes remaining, Toffoli potted his 14th goal of the season, with Jesper Bratt and Jack Hughes earning the assists. For both players, it was their 25th assist of the season.
"We found a way to get those two points. I don't think we played our best game, but we found a way to win this game at home here before Christmas break, so it's definitely a good feeling," said Meier.
Five Things
1. New Jersey's New Look Third Line
Who would have thought that a line of Meier - McLeod - Mercer would be so impactful? Over the past two games, the trio have been New Jersey's best players on the ice. Saturday night, they had a combined nine shots on goal.
After the game, New Jersey's head coach credited his third line for their performance.
"If it wasn't for that line, we probably don't get back in the game," head coach Lindy Ruff said. "We know what Timo can do, and I think maybe this can be a springboard for him."
2. Bratt Called for Roughing
In the second period, Jesper Bratt was called for a roughing penalty along with Red Wings defenseman Ben Chiarot. The two were still yapping at each other from their respective penalty boxes.
3. Holtz's Diminshing Ice Time
Alexander Holtz played 7:11 versus Detroit, which was the second-lowest on the team. Over the past five games, his ice time has diminished: 11:42, 10:56, 9:27, 7:20, and 7:11. This is something to watch after the holiday break.
4. Hughes' Play on Home Ice
Per the media notes, Jack Hughes leads all Devils skaters with 20 points (seven goals, 13 assists) on home ice this season.
5. Ruff Passes DeBoer
After his team's victory over Detroit, Ruff earned his 115th win with the Devils. He passed Peter DeBoer (114) for third place on the franchise's all-time list. Jacques Lemaire (276) and John Hynes (150) are first and second, respectively.