The New Jersey Devils turned to their young talent to close out an inconsistent season, and the youth delivered.
Just a day after trading veterans Kyle Palmieri and Travis Zajac to the New York Islanders, Jesper Boqvist led the Devils’ emerging stars, scoring the go-ahead goal with 11:15 remaining in a 6-3 win over the Buffalo Sabres on Thursday night.
Pavel Zacha netted two power-play goals, while Jack Hughes ended a 10-game scoring drought, adding two assists in a game where the Devils had to rally after losing a 3-1 first-period lead. Yegor Sharangovich and Janne Kuokkanen also contributed, with Sharangovich scoring and adding two assists and Kuokkanen sealing the win with an empty-netter.
All five of New Jersey’s goal-scorers are 23 years old or younger.
“You never know how your team will respond after a day like yesterday,” said coach Lindy Ruff, referring to the trade of two players with a combined 26 years of NHL experience. “But you hope with the added responsibility, they’ll step up. And in the third period, when we trimmed down to three lines, the young guys playing well got more ice time, and it paid off.”
Aaron Dell made 24 saves in his third season start, securing his first win in over 14 months. Dell, who had gone 0-6-1 in his last eight appearances, last won on February 6, 2020, while with San Jose.
The victory snapped a four-game winless streak (0-2-2) for the Devils and came just after the team signaled its focus on the future by acquiring two draft picks and two minor-league forwards from the Islanders.
Victor Olofsson, Jeff Skinner, and Tage Thompson scored for Buffalo, which had been on a 3-0-2 run, including a 5-3 win over New Jersey on Tuesday. Linus Ullmark made 32 saves in the matchup between two East Division’s bottom teams, which are nearly out of playoff contention.
“The winning goal came from a situation where we had the puck on our stick multiple times and failed to clear the zone. They were hungrier tonight, and it showed,” said Sabres interim coach Don Granato.
Michael McLeod set up the go-ahead goal, catching Sabres defenseman Brandon Montour off guard by chasing down a loose puck behind the Buffalo net. McLeod’s wrap-around attempt deflected off Ullmark’s pad and landed in the slot, where Boqvist buried it inside the left post.
The game started with a flurry of action, with three goals scored in the first 3:46. Olofsson opened the scoring 53 seconds in, but the Devils responded quickly with Zacha scoring two power-play goals just 1:40 apart.
“It’s tough to see guys like Trav and Palms get traded,” said Zacha, who recorded his first two-goal game of the season and the fifth of his career. “But with that comes more responsibility for us, and we embraced it tonight.”
Hughes added another goal late in the first period, capitalizing on a turnover forced by Sharangovich. Hughes’ performance was particularly encouraging for Ruff.
“I’m really pleased with how Jack has battled through, game after game,” Ruff said. “I hope this boosts his confidence and helps him feel better about his game.”
Swedish Milestone
Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin notched the secondary assist on Skinner’s goal, marking his 100th career point. At just shy of his 21st birthday, Dahlin became the youngest Swedish-born defenseman to reach this milestone. He achieved it in 180 games, the second-fastest among Sabres defensemen, following Phil Housley, who did it in 106 games.
Trade Watch
Sabres forward Taylor Hall was a healthy scratch for the second straight game as he awaits a potential trade before the NHL’s Monday deadline. Hall, who signed a one-year, $8 million deal with Buffalo in October, is expected to be moved soon.
Hischier Close to Return
Devils captain Nico Hischier is nearing a return after missing his 22nd consecutive game with an upper-body injury. Hischier, who remains week-to-week, traveled with the team and resumed practice on Wednesday.
Up Next
- The Devils return home for a two-game series against Pittsburgh starting Friday night.
- The Sabres will host the Washington Capitals on Friday night.
