The young New Jersey Devils are making a name for themselves in the team’s record book.
Nico Hischier had three assists as the Devils defeated the Connor McDavid-led Edmonton Oilers 5-2 on Monday night, tying a franchise record with their 13th consecutive win.
“I guess we’re up there in the history books,” Hischier said. “Nobody can take that from us now, and it feels great. It shows we’re a good team that we can win games, and we don’t have to hide anymore.”
Jesper Bratt, Dawson Mercer, Damon Severson, Tomas Tatar, and Yegor Sharangovich scored for the Devils, who haven’t lost since Oct. 24 against Washington. Vitek Vanecek made 27 saves for New Jersey.
“It’s awesome winning,” said Bratt, who leads the team with 24 points. “Everything around the rink, being with the guys, and playing these important games means a lot. Winning is the best thing in hockey.”
The Devils are well on their way to making the playoffs for the first time since the 2017-18 season.
“We’ve had a great run. We know we’re the hunted now,” coach Lindy Ruff said. “We expect every team to bring their best because we’re getting recognition. We have to deal with that. But 19 games in, you can’t say, ‘We sent a message to the league.'”
Leon Draisaitl and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins scored for the Oilers, who have been beaten twice by New Jersey during this run. Stuart Skinner made 23 saves but had the puck taken off his stick by Hischier early in the second period, leading to Mercer’s go-ahead goal into an open net.
“Obviously, a tough game. Tough loss,” Skinner said. “They’re a great team and very hot right now. They’ve got some great players making great plays, and it was tough to lose, especially twice to these guys. But we can only learn from our mistakes and move on.”
Severson stretched the margin to 3-1 on a counterattack minutes later.
Edmonton made a push early in the third. Nugent-Hopkins cut it to 3-2 at 4:52 and had a close-in chance to tie it, only to be stopped by Vanecek, who improved to 9-1.
Tatar gave the Devils breathing room about a minute later, gloving down the rebound of Mercer’s shot and beating Skinner. Sharangovich added an insurance goal with 5:15 to go.
Jack Hughes had two assists for the Devils.
Rough Night in Net
Not only did Skinner hand the Devils the go-ahead goal, but backup netminder Jack Campbell also had a rough night. Late in the second period, Campbell was hit in the face by a puck deflected by Devils defenseman Dougie Hamilton. He immediately left the bench and did not return for the third period.
“I went and saw him after the second period, and he was laughing and smiling. That’s the kind of guy he is,” Skinner said. “But he had a pretty bloody nose. It’s hard to see that happen, especially to him. I think he’s fine.”
UP NEXT
- Oilers: Continue their swing through the New York metropolitan area with a visit to the Islanders on Wednesday. They finish in New York City on Saturday against the Rangers.
- Devils: Host the Toronto Maple Leafs on Wednesday night.
