In Newark, the New Jersey Devils trailed 1-2 to the Minnesota Wild in a late afternoon game on Sunday. They reeled off three straight goals, and then held on for a 4-3 win.
Vitek Vanecek made 31 saves in the win.
“It’s tough for me, it was tough for them, but they never quit,” Vanecek said. “That’s always huge, and blocking the shots for me. I was really happy for them.”
Jesper Bratt, who scored twice, staked New Jersey to a 1-0 lead in the first period.
“I’m seeing a guy with even more energy (than previous seasons),” New Jersey coach Lindy Ruff said. “He’s shooting the puck quicker and he’s making better plays. Just his mobility seems a little bit more dynamic, and he’s a luxury to have.”
Minnesota replied with a pair goals, beginning with Pat Maroon at 14:53 of the first to tie the game, 1-1.
“We have to be better 5-on-5 and have to keep working and stay positive,” Maroon said.
Ryan Hartman scored off the power play at 2:31 of the middle frame for the 2-1 lead to the Wild.
“It’s tough. We were getting good chances and we deserved more,” Hartman said. “We have a few big pieces missing but have to keep working.”
New Jersey replied with a three-goal string.
Tyler Toffoli hit off the power play at 6:10 of the second to knot the game at 2-2.
Just 44 seconds later, Erik Haula put New Jersey up, 3-2.
Bratt hit for his second at 16:39 for a 4-2 lead.
“We’ve been talking about really dialing it in, trying to get that first goal, and we had five shots on goal in the first five minutes,” Bratt said. “Our speed was good today. We supported each other well, and obviously the power play, penalty kill and [Vanecek] in net helped us get that win.”
That goal was the eventual game-winner when the Wild’s Jake Middleton scored 15:17 to make it 4-3.
“I’m resting well when I think about the power play, but I’m still not resting well with some of the plays away from the puck that we’ve been giving up,” Ruff said.
Marc-Andre Fleury made 26 saves in the loss.
“It was a close match but frustrating. They scored quick goals which cost us,” Fleury said. “We’re pushing for points, so we can’t use the missing players as an excuse.”
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