Coming off a disappointing loss to the Bruins on Sunday, the Devils traveled down the New Jersey Turnpike Monday night in hopes of rebounding against their longtime Eastern Conference rivals the Philadelphia Flyers.
Unfortunately for them, they’ll have to wait another day to rebound as the Flyers came out victorious 4–2. Philadelphia was coming off a convincing 3–1 win over Pittsburgh on Sunday.
Against Philadelphia, the NHL’s most penalized team, the Devils stood their ground and exchanged knockdowns and roughing penalties. Some of the most notable hits involved familiar names like Philly’s Riley Cote and New Jersey’s David Clarkson.
After the physical start, the Devils got on the board first at 9:42 of the first period, as Brendan Shanahan cut through the top of the crease and deflected a Dainius Zubrus pass with his skate past Marty Biron.
With under five minutes left in the first period, the game got physical again as Cote and Mike Rupp dropped the gloves. Rupp landed several shots before both players fell to the ice.
Seconds later, both teams started fighting again after a roughing call on the Devils Bobby Holik, prompted several players from both teams to drop the gloves.
After the melee, the Flyers went on the power play and tied the game 1–1 as Danny Briere beat Martin Brodeur with a quick shot.
In the second period, Devils forward Mike Rupp was called for a holding penalty and the Flyers went on to score another power play goal. Winger Mike Knuble received the puck from teammate Briere and beat Brodeur on the right side of the net putting Philly up 2–1.
Five minutes later, the Devils went on a power play of their own and captain Jamie Langenbrunner tied the game, scoring his 25th goal of the year.
The Flyers started the third period on the power play after a holding call against Devils defenseman Bryce Salvador in the last minute of the second period. Flyers center Jeff Carter took advantage and scored his 40th goal of the season, putting Philadelphia ahead for the second time in the game.
Teammate Simon Gagne would add another three minutes later, scoring his 30th goal of the season and putting the Flyers ahead 4–2.
Brodeur, who stopped 21 out of 25 shots on goal, made several signature key saves in this game but it wasn’t enough.
Similar to their anemic effort on Sunday against the Bruins, the Devils were plagued by a lack of firepower on the power play, going 1 for 7. Meanwhile, the Flyers scored three power play goals.
The Devils next game is Friday in Chicago where they will visit the youthful and talented Blackhawks.
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