In Newark, the New York Islanders scored twice in the third period to rally past the Devils, 3-2, on Saturday night.
Semyon Varalamov got the win for the New York Islanders
Semyon Varlamov made 26 saves to get the win.
“I thought we could have easily lost the game; I didn’t like our battle for the first two periods,” New York head coach Barry Trotz said. “I thought Varlamov was by far our best player. Our forwards didn’t have enough bite in their game and I thought our defense corps bailed them out, [along] with our goaltending.”
Kieffer Bellows struck for the two third period goals.
“It’s obviously been a while, but I just wanted to go out there and work hard and grind down low … just be responsible,” Bellows said. “It was a good team effort to get the win, so that’s the most important thing.”
Pavel Zacha in the opening frame for a 1-0 lead to the Devils.
“We created some chances, but I think we just need more end-zone time,” Zajac said. ” … I think we can still do a better job of that. To win in this league you need four lines, you need six defensemen. It’s got to be team effort, night in and night out, to win games.”
Janne Kuokkanen scored early in the middle frame for a 2-1 lead for New Jersey.
“Kieffer was handed the ball at the start of the year and did OK, but then we started rolling a little bit and he had to sit,” Trotz said. “He’s trying to make a statement and he seized it for one game, so let’s see if he can do it again.
“But I was impressed. I was impressed with his positional play, was impressed with the goals he scored. That line was really good tonight.”
Oliver Wahlstrom also scored for the Isles when he tied the game, 1-1.
Mackenzie Blackwood made 26 saves in the loss.
“We had some opportunities to maybe execute a little better in some situations and that kind of got us in trouble a little bit in the third,” the Devils’ Travis Zajac said. “But they’re also a structured team. They thrive in these tight games, so we have to just do a better job with the lead. We’ve got a chance to come back tomorrow and put in a good effort.”
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