In Newark, the New Jersey Devils erupted for four goals in the third period and wiped out a 1-0 Lead for the Detroit Red Wings in a 4-1 final on Thursday night.
Wayne Simmonds struck for two of the goals in the frame.
Wayne Simmonds had two goals for the Devils in the third period – file photo by Lewis Bleiman
“I think I’ve had my legs the past few games so I just tried to skate as hard as I can,” Simmonds said. “Pavel [Zacha] made an unbelievable pass to [Miles Wood] and Woody found me backdoor on my first goal. On the power play, I just tried to present a screen, the guys got a shot through and I got the rebound.”
Mackenzie Blackwood made 25 saves in the win.
“The one thing I won’t stand for is lack of effort, especially at home,” Devils head coach Alain Nasreddine said. “It hasn’t happened often. It doesn’t matter where it happens, but I just let the guys know. I like the fact we responded in the second period, and in the third we showed resiliency and found a way.”
Andreas Athanasiou scored the lone Detroit goal in the middle frame.
“I thought we stopped skating totally [in the third period],” Red Wings coach Jeff Blashill said. “At the end of the day we have to play way better. I don’t have an answer as to why we stopped skating.”
Andy Greene and Jesper Bratt book-ended the Simmonds goals.
“[Coach Alain Nasreddine] came in between the first and second period and kind of chewed us out,” Simmonds said. “I think we responded well and got the message loud and clear. [Nasreddine] is pretty mild-mannered but if you don’t work hard he’s going to give it to you.”
[WATCH: All Red Wings vs. Devils highlights]
Jonathan Bernier made 22 saves in another loss for Detroit.
“No one wants to be in this position,” Dylan Larkin said. “I felt the last two weeks we’ve been building our game, playing as a unit of five and our goaltending has been great. Tonight we took a step backwards. In a league that’s so tight, so competitive, we’ve got to come every night. Especially us. We’ve got to come harder.”
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