In Elmont, Ondrej Palat struck for a pair of goals on Thursday night night, and the New Jersey Devils defeated the New York Islanders, 4-1.
“Everybody’s just starting to gel together,” Devils coach Lindy Ruff said. “Everything is coming together, and it takes a little (time). … I think we found some stuff that works.”
Mackenzie Blackwood made 16 saves in the New Jersey win.
“We did a good job of diminishing their chances, using our feet, and not taking stupid penalties,” Blackwood said. “So, I think the way we played really helped keep us in good defensive position and then (we kept) being relentless on the offense.”
Anders Lee was the lone striker for the Isles.
“It was extremely, extremely disappointing,” Islanders coach Lane Lambert said. “We had been trending up. We had done a lot of good things in the last couple games, but tonight was a tough night for everyone.”
Jack Hughes also scored for New Jersey.
“We’re going to score,” Palat said. “We have the talent. This is the way we have to play.”
Nico Hischier added a late empty-net goal for the 4-1 final.
Ilya Sorokin made 39 saves in the New York loss.
You must be logged in to post a comment.