Devils Comeback Fall Short vs. Vegas
GOLDEN KNIGHTS 5 – DEVILS 3
The struggles continue for the New Jersey Devils, whose third period comeback attempt against the Las Vegas Golden Knights fell short 5-3 at Prudential Center. New Jersey has now lost four in a row, and is 2-8-2 in their last 12 games.
“Everything’s tough right now, we’re not scoring, we’re giving up goals,” Devils defenseman Dougie Hamilton said. ”Everything’s tough so … we’re all working, working through it. Trying to stay positive.”
New Jersey struck first in the early stages of the first period when Jack Hughes took a pass from Hamilton to give the Devs a 1-0 lead 1:41 into the contest. Less than eight minutes later, the Golden Knights answered when Dylan Coghlan scored on a power play to even things up at one a piece.
It was all Vegas after that. The Knights would score three consecutive goals between the second and third periods to take a 4-1 lead. The Devils would close the gap to 4-3 thanks to a pair of goals in a span of two minutes by Tomas Tatar and Jimmy Vessey. However New Jersey’s offense would go cold in the final seven minutes with six missed shots including two missed shots on goal.
Meanwhile, over in Long Island, the Islanders won their second consecutive game at the brand new UBS Arena, dominating the Boston Bruins 3-1.
ELMONT, NEW YORK – DECEMBER 16: Robin Salo #2 of the New York Islanders checks Charlie Coyle #13 of the Boston Bruins during the third period at the UBS Arena on December 16, 2021 in Elmont, New York. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
The Isles were led by a pair of goals from Cal Clutterbuck in the victory. After opening the $1.1 billion arena in mid-November, the Islanders went winless in their first seven home games (0-5-2). They broke the ice (no pun intended) with a win over the Devils last weekend.
“It goes without saying, the last little while it’s been make or break,” Clutterbuck said. “We put ourselves in a tough spot. … We’re just trying to focus on the day in front of us, one day at a time.”
Clutterbuck’s two goals bookended a second period goal by Anthony Beauvillier as the Islanders built a 3-0 lead.
Goalie Semyon Varlamov recorded 40 saves in the victory. The Islanders are now 8-12-5.
