The New Jersey Devils fought back twice in the past week to force overtime and secure a point.
The New Jersey Devils fought back twice in the past week to force overtime and secure a point.
Last season, New Jersey Devils captain Nico Hischier learned a valuable lesson about just how important it is to get a game into overtime.
"We have to understand that in certain games, taking one point can be huge, especially going down the stretch when you are in the playoff race," he said.
Over the past week, the Devils have fought back and forced overtime twice, including Friday night against the New York Islanders.
Entering the third period, New Jersey was down a goal, as Kyle Palmieri scored New York's go-ahead goal with eight minutes remaining in the middle frame.
With Jake Allen on the bench, head coach Sheldon Keefe put out the extra attacker. With 1:29 remaining in regulation, Jesper Bratt found the puck in a mad scramble around the net and beat Ilya Sorokin to tie the game at 3-3.
The Devils outshot their opponent 11-4 in the third in their effort to tie the game.
New York eventually celebrated the win, but seeing New Jersey fight back to secure a point is a massive improvement from their 2023-24 season.
"Missing out on the two points is hard," Bratt said. "We do a good time fighting us back into a position of getting one point. Towards the end of the season, that one point can make a big difference, so obviously, that was good."
"I don't think (there's) any reason to dwell on this. We fought hard, we pushed in the third, it took a while to get that, but to solidify that point, it's massive," Curtis Lazar said.
Fans have not seen that fight, as the Devils lost a regulation game by one goal eight times in 2023-24. The players frequently referenced maturity and the need to play a mature game.
To start this season, the Devils show more maturity in fighting back and earning at least one "loser point."
Against the Washington Capitals on Oct. 19, the Devils scored two goals in the third period to force overtime while goaltender Jacob Markstrom regrouped and stopped all eight shots faced in the final frame.
Whether it is a new voice in Keefe or the additions general manager Tom Fitzgerald made during the offseason, the Devils are playing with a maturity that has been missing.
"All things considered, to see our team fight here on a back-to-back, a third game in four nights, and make sure we get the point, those are all really encouraging signs," Keefe said.
New Jersey will be off on Saturday before hosting the Anaheim Ducks at Prudential Center on Oct. 27.
Make sure you bookmark THN's New Jersey Devils site for THN's latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more.
EXCLUSIVE: Q&A With MSG Networks Host & Analyst Rachel Herzog
Hischier’s Manager Patrick Fischer: 'He’s Driven to Succeed, but Not Easily Satisfied'
Seamus Casey Scores First NHL Goal In Devils Global Series Finale