Mackenzie Blackwood made 30 saves as the New Jersey Devils defeated the Philadelphia Flyers 4-1 on Saturday night, securing their third consecutive victory.
Jesper Bratt, Janne Kuokkanen, Nico Hischier, and Yegor Sharangovich scored for the Devils, who have turned things around after enduring a 10-game losing streak. This recent success came during a four-game series against the Flyers.
“I felt we had energy in the group throughout the year,” Bratt said. “Everyone comes in every day, trying to improve. We’re maintaining a good mindset at all times. Winning a few games like this really boosts our confidence.”
Brian Elliott recorded 17 saves for the Flyers, who have lost 10 of their last 15 games and were officially eliminated from playoff contention in the East Division. Joel Farabee scored Philadelphia’s lone goal in the closing moments of the third period.
“We’re not winning many hockey games,” Flyers coach Alain Vigneault said. “When you’re not winning, confidence becomes an issue.”
Blackwood’s strong performance kept Philadelphia’s chances at bay, as he managed to cover up shots and avoid giving up long rebounds, especially against some early Flyers opportunities. The Devils’ defense also contributed, blocking 19 shots throughout the game.
“A big part of our success was Blackwood covering for us when we got stuck in our zone,” Devils coach Lindy Ruff said. “He was outstanding tonight.”
Bratt opened the scoring for New Jersey five minutes into the first period with a snap shot from the right circle that deflected off Elliott’s mask and into the net. This marked the 10th straight game in which the Flyers conceded the first goal and the 24th time in their last 33 games that they fell behind early.
Kuokkanen extended the Devils’ lead early in the second period, one-timing a pass from Jack Hughes over Elliott’s blocker for his seventh goal of the season.
Hischier added an unassisted short-handed goal five minutes into the third period. He picked off Sean Couturier’s stick at the Flyers’ blue line, raced along the boards, and beat Elliott to the stick side for his sixth goal of the season.
Sharangovich capped the Devils’ scoring late in the third, netting his 15th goal of the season and his fifth against Philadelphia, with a close-range shot past Elliott.
“I think everyone is playing with good confidence,” Bratt said. “We’re all getting into the flow of the games now. We’re figuring out how to win. … We’ve really come together in the last few games, building a winning mentality.”
Farabee spoiled Blackwood’s shutout bid with a snap shot past him with 1:16 left in the game. However, the Flyers, who were once considered contenders for a deep run in the Stanley Cup playoffs, have struggled to find consistency since late February.
“We’re making mistakes right now that we usually don’t make,” Flyers captain Claude Giroux said. “There’s a little doubt in our game, and it’s costing us.”
INJURY REPORT
Devils center Mikhail Maltsev was forced to crawl to the bench after taking a slap shot to the inside of his ankle midway through the second period. Maltsev eventually returned later in the period.
Flyers defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere returned to the lineup after missing three games with a minor medial collateral ligament strain. He was injured in Philadelphia’s loss on April 23 against the New York Rangers.
UP NEXT
- Devils: Host Boston on Monday night.
- Flyers: Host Pittsburgh on Monday night.
