P.K. Subban may not see his 100th NHL goal as a significant milestone, but he certainly recognizes its importance for his team. Subban’s crucial goal early in the third period broke a tie and led the New Jersey Devils to a 5-3 win over the Carolina Hurricanes on Saturday night, marking their first road victory of the season.
“I would have been just as happy with a win even without scoring,” Subban said. “I’m just glad I could contribute positively.”
Subban’s tip-in of Miles Wood’s pass four minutes into the third period proved to be the game-winner. New Jersey entered the game with an 0-3 road record, having been outscored 14-2 away from home.
Wood added a goal and an assist for the Devils, who rallied from two first-period deficits thanks to a stellar performance from goalie Mackenzie Blackwood, who made 24 saves.
“He was outstanding,” Subban said. “In my opinion, he was our best player tonight.”
Nico Hischier and Jack Hughes also found the back of the net, while Damon Severson sealed the victory with an empty-net goal in the final minute.
Hischier’s goal early in the second period gave New Jersey its first road lead of the season, capitalizing on a Carolina turnover to beat James Reimer with a high shot just 34 seconds into the period.
Erik Haula led the way for Carolina with a goal and an assist, tying the game at 3-3 midway through the second period by converting a pass from Ryan Dzingel. Reimer finished with 21 saves for the Hurricanes.
The first period ended with the teams tied at two, with Carolina outshooting New Jersey 14-9. Warren Foegele and Teuvo Teravainen scored for the Hurricanes, while the Devils responded with goals from Wood and Hughes, the latter of which came on a power play with 26.5 seconds left in the period.
Hughes’ goal, his third of the season, came after a scramble in front of the Carolina net left the puck resting against Reimer’s right skate, allowing Hughes to poke it in.
“The first period was strong, and we probably deserved better,” said Carolina coach Rod Brind’Amour. “But then we let it slip away. We handed them a few goals.”
Looking to extend its success, New Jersey faced a tough Carolina team that was 9-3-1 overall and 6-1 at home. However, the Devils dominated the final period, outshooting Carolina 8-4. Both teams were playing the second game of a back-to-back.
“We were the better team today, in my opinion,” Subban said.
New Jersey coach John Hynes added, “The players knew what needed to be done, and tonight they executed well. We got key saves when needed, and it was great to see.”
Game Notes:
- The Hurricanes fell to 7-1 when scoring first.
- Teravainen’s goal extended Carolina’s streak to four consecutive games with a power-play goal.
- Carolina rested starting goalie Petr Mrazek after his 15th consecutive home win in a 7-3 victory over Detroit the night before.
- Hughes’ goal was New Jersey’s first road power-play goal, breaking an 0-for-12 drought this season.
- New Jersey has allowed 17 goals in four road games.
- Blackwood’s first NHL win came in Raleigh last December, a 2-0 victory over the Hurricanes.
UP NEXT:
- Devils: At Winnipeg on Tuesday.
- Hurricanes: At Philadelphia on Tuesday.
