Three consecutive defeats bring the Carolina Hurricanes (1st in Metropolitan Division) to a domestic outing against the New Jersey Devils (2nd in Metropolitan), who have won just four of their past 14 fixtures.
The New Jersey Devils (25-12-3) snatched their second win in the past three outings (2-1-0) and their third triumph in the last five games (3-1-1) after banking a 4-3 overtime victory against the New York Rangers at Prudential Center on Saturday. Damon Severson (3 goals, 9 points this year) buried the winner 2:47 into the extra session after the Devils scored twice in the third period to erase a 3-1 deficit. Jack Hughes (26 goals, 49 points) picked up two markers, including the 3-3 equalizer, tacking on an assist on a power-play snipe by Jesper Bratt (15 goals, 40 points) as well. It was New Jersey’s fourth victory in its most recent 14 outings (4-8-2) and first home win on the last nine tries (1-7-1).
Goalie Vitek Vanecek made 31 saves on Saturday to take his current performance status to 15-5-2 for the season with a 2.34 G AA and a .914 save percentage. He has pocketed a 1-2-0 career record versus Carolina with a 3.43 GAA and a .889 save percentage, while Mackenzie Blackwood (5-3-1 on the year with a 3.05 GAA and a .888 save percentage) is 2-0-1 against the Hurricanes historically with a 2.34 GAA and a .932 save percentage. The Devils, meanwhile, are 8th in most goals scored per game this season (3.40), 4th in least goals conceded on average (2.63), 18th in power play (20.6%) and 8th in penalty kill (81.8%).