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Devils Secure Shutout Victory Against Oilers
In an impressive display of defensive prowess, Jake Allen recorded his second shutout of the season and the 26th of his NHL career, leading the New Jersey Devils to a 3-0 victory over the Edmonton Oilers on Monday. With 31 saves, Allen helped the Devils conclude their Western Canadian road trip on a high note.
Offensively, the Devils saw contributions from Jesper Bratt, who netted a goal and provided an assist, while Stefan Noesen and Timo Meier added to the scoreline. This victory improved the Devils’ record to 8-5-2, marking their third win in four games following a previous four-game losing streak.
The loss halted a two-game winning streak for the Oilers, who now sit at 6-6-1. Edmonton’s Calvin Pickard managed to make 13 stops during the match.
Key Takeaways
For the Devils, Bratt’s performance was particularly noteworthy as he increased his season total to 15 points, including nine points in his last eight games. Nico Hischier also featured prominently, contributing an assist to give him 16 points this season, maintaining a point streak that has lasted all but four games.
On the other hand, the Oilers faced challenges offensively, with star forward Leon Draisaitl unable to score after a strong offensive showing in his previous matches, where he accumulated six points over two games. Historically, Draisaitl has performed well against the Devils, entering this game with a notable eight-game point streak against them.
Turning Point in the Game
A crucial moment came late in the second period when the Devils extended their lead to 2-0. Hischier, demonstrating great vision, set up Bratt for a powerful shot from the slot, which found the back of the net with just 3:26 left in the period.
Potential Return of McDavid
In injury news, Oilers captain Connor McDavid participated in an optional morning skate prior to the game, raising speculation about a possible early return. McDavid was expected to be sidelined for two to three weeks due to an ankle injury sustained in a recent game against Columbus.
Player Transactions
The Oilers made headlines earlier in the day by acquiring defenceman Ronnie Attard from the Philadelphia Flyers in exchange for Ben Gleason. Attard, a 25-year-old right-shot defender, has played 29 games in the NHL and is set to report to Edmonton’s AHL affiliate in Bakersfield.
Looking Ahead
Next up for the Devils is a home game against the Montreal Canadiens on Thursday, while the Oilers will host the Vegas Golden Knights on Wednesday.
Source
globalnews.ca