Devils goaltender Kaapo Kahkonen has a record of 1-2-0 with a .934 save percentage and 2.17 goals against average.
The final horn echoed throughout UBS Arena, signaling the end of regulation and the New Jersey Devils' 4-0 victory over the New York Islanders on Sunday evening.
Goaltender Kaapo Kahkonen stood in his crease and tapped the crossbar with his glove. The 27-year-old earned his first shutout since Nov. 29, 2022.
Veteran Erik Haula embraced his netminder, followed by a helmet tap from Dawson Mercer. As the rest of Kahkonen's teammates gathered around him, Haula skated behind the net to grab the puck behind the net.
It was New Jersey's first shutout win of the 2023-24 campaign and their first shutout since Mar. 12, 2023.
Wearing a grey T-shirt and black Devils hockey baseball cap, Kahkonen addressed the media with a calm, even-keeled demeanor.
"I felt good all night," Kahkonen said. "It's important for the goalie to stay calm (when there are so many penalties). It gives the guys confidence when you see somebody that's confident in there but still sharp. That's what I'm trying to be every night. It paid off tonight. That was a good team effort."
He made 36 saves on 36 shots, including 13 in the final period. It marked Kahkonen's third start with the Devils. He has a record of 1-2-0 with a .934 save percentage and 2.17 goals against average.
"He was solid; he just looked focused, much like the rest of our team," interim head coach Travis Green said of Kahkonen. "Obviously, we hadn't had a shutout all year, so it was nice to get one tonight. You're happy for him, especially as a newer guy. ...To see him get the shutout makes you feel good for him, and obviously, it's great for the team."
"Whenever I get to play I am going in and trying to help the team win, and that's the most important thing," Kahkonen said. "The only thing that matters is bringing your effort and your game and helping the team."
Kahkonen and his teammates will get a day off on Monday. The club will return to the ice Tuesday morning to prepare for their next opponent, the Toronto Maple Leafs.