Mackenzie Blackwood delivered a standout performance with a season-high 42 saves, earning his seventh career shutout as the New Jersey Devils blanked the New York Islanders 4-0 on Thursday night.
Janne Kuokkanen scored a short-handed goal, Tomas Tatar added a power-play goal, and Dawson Mercer and Dougie Hamilton each netted goals at even strength. The victory marked the Devils’ third consecutive win, improving their record to 4-1-2 over their last seven games.
“We had a great effort from all four lines,” said Devils coach Lindy Ruff. “Every line contributed with solid plays. When we faced pressure, we did a good job collapsing in the zone and getting bodies in front of the net.”
In just his third start of the season, Blackwood was stellar, making 16 saves in the first period, 14 in the second, and 12 in the third. It was his first shutout since March 28 against Boston and his third career win over the Islanders in eight starts.
“We played an excellent game, keeping the pressure on them,” Blackwood said. “We didn’t sit back after taking the lead, and our third period was especially strong. We didn’t allow them many chances.”
Ilya Sorokin made 30 saves for the Islanders, who dropped their second straight game in regulation after a strong 5-0-2 stretch.
“We needed to be tougher on them,” said Islanders coach Barry Trotz. “We gave up too many breakaways and didn’t have enough players pulling their weight tonight. We generated chances but couldn’t find the back of the net.”
Sorokin made a spectacular save early in the third, stretching to deny Tatar and keep the Islanders within two goals. However, Mercer extended the Devils’ lead to 3-0 at 5:46, finishing a 2-on-1 break with a smooth forehand-backhand move over Sorokin for his fourth goal of the season.
Hamilton, returning after missing three games with a lower-body injury, capped the scoring with a slap shot from the top of the right circle with 3:27 left, marking his third goal of the season.
With the Devils up 1-0 after the first period, Blackwood made a key save on a one-timer from Casey Cizikas midway through the second to maintain the shutout.
“They did a great job collapsing on us when we had chances,” said Islanders captain Anders Lee. “And their goalie was outstanding. When you combine those things, it’s tough to build momentum.”
Tatar made it 2-0 on the power play with just 50 seconds remaining in the second period, tipping in Hamilton’s shot from the point for his first goal of the season.
New Jersey opened the scoring with a short-handed goal in the first period. After a scramble in front of the Islanders’ net, Kuokkanen pounced on a rebound and slotted it into an open net for his third-season goal.
“We turned a corner and suddenly had a scoring chance,” Kuokkanen said. “The rebound came out perfectly, and I could capitalize.”
Blackwood made a crucial glove save on Oliver Wahlstrom’s shot late in the first period to keep the Islanders off the scoreboard.
MILESTONES
Mathew Barzal played in his 300th regular-season game, and Ryan Pulock tied Denis Potvin for the most consecutive games played by an Islanders defenseman with his 262nd straight appearance.
STATS
Nico Hischier extended his assist streak to four games, and Andreas Johnsson now has three assists and eight points in his last eight games.
WELCOME BACK
Kyle Palmieri returned to the Prudential Center for the first time since being traded from the Devils to the Islanders last season. During a first-period stoppage, he received a warm ovation and a video tribute, acknowledging the cheers with a stick salute.
ROAD WARRIORS
The Islanders were playing in the New York area for the only time during their season-opening 13-game road trip. Their new home at UBS Arena in Elmont, New York, will open on Nov. 20. Several thousand Islanders fans were in attendance, cheering loudly throughout the game.
UP NEXT
- Islanders: Travel to Tampa Bay on Monday night.
- Devils: Host the Boston Bruins on Saturday to conclude their three-game homestand.
