In Newark, the New Jersey Devils were the beneficiaries of facing off against a tired Vancouver Canucks team on Monday night.
New Jersey posted three goals in the first period and went to a 7-2 win.
Jack Hughes had a goal and two points in the win.
“He’s the type of player who’s basically ready to go on the ice every second shift,” New Jersey coach Lindy Ruff said. “And that’s one heck of an attribute for a player.”
Nico Daws made 36 saves in the New Jersey win.
“It makes it a lot easier when we score that many goals,” Daws said. “I think we get up that early, I got to make sure that the next one doesn’t go in. I can’t let the tide change.”
New Jersey moved to 19-29-5.
Hughes, Yegor Sharangovich, and Dawson Mercer hit for first period goals for a 3-0 lead.
“We weren’t ready to go,” the Canucks’ Conor Garland said. “With how fast they play, we didn’t match it at all. It’s unacceptable. We have to play the right way to win. When you’re chasing games, it’s not a recipe for success in the NHL.”
Vasily Podkolzin and Tanner Pearson scored for Vancouver.
Jesper Boqvist scored in the scored period to give New Jersey a 4-1 lead.
“[The Hughes line] is showing us the way and we just got to keep up,” Boqvist said. “This kid is having fun for sure.”
Ryan Graves and Jesper Bratt also scored for New Jersey.
“The speed they had … they were coming at us pretty good,” Vancouver coach Bruce Boudreau said. “We weren’t adjusting to it.”
Dougie Hamilton scored for New Jersey midway through the third period for the 7-2 final.
“I think his game is coming,” Ruff said of Hamilton. “Being on top of the play, joining offensively, playing to what is his strength; I thought that part of his game was noticeably better than his first game [back].”
Jaroslav Halak got the start and made eight saves before getting the hook in the second period, he yielded six goals.
Thatcher Demko made 18 saves in a mop up role.
You must be logged in to post a comment.