Consistency
The Devils’ play in the previous two third periods has been an issue. Although the Devils held on for a 2-1 victory against Columbus thanks to the goaltending heroics of Jake Allen, the dam broke Thursday against Calgary in a 5-3 loss.
“We watched a bunch of video on it. There were certain things we stopped doing which led to a lot of D zone time for us,” defenseman Brett Pesce said. “That’s never good. Learn from it. Wash it and fresh one today.”
In spite of the past two showings, the Devils were 30-0-2 when leading after two periods this season.
"When everybody gets a little bit hesitant, it breaks down and leads to teams coming over top of you," Keefe said."Combine with the team on the other side of it, as we get down into the final stretch of the season, they've got more urgency. They've got more of a push. It's different and it's harder at this time of the year. We haven't been good enough.
"We want to rinse it and move by it. We had a good skate this morning, lots of good energy, and hope we're in a position again to get it right."
Despite the past two third periods, overall the Devils have won four of their last six games.
“There’s points in games where we good have managed better,” defenseman Brett Pesce said. “But if you look at the past seven, eight games, we’ve been in every game win or lose. I like our structure of our team; we’re all playing together.”
Playoff Hockey
The Devils are in the driver seat of earning a playoff berth with 80 points in 70 games. With 12 contests remaining they have an eight-point lead on both the NY Rangers and Islanders.
The Senators meanwhile, currently hold the No. 1 position in the Wild Card with 77 points, but only have a five-point edge on the Rangers and Islanders.
“Every game is a playoff hockey game. It makes the games fun, for me at least,” Pesce said. “There’s nothing like playoff hockey for guys who have been lucky enough to experience it. We’re in the driver seat and we control our own destiny. We know what’s at stake and how we need to play.
“It’s just hockey at the end of the day. You do it because you enjoy it. Not every team has the opportunity and privilege to be in the position we’re in right now. You have to embrace that and enjoy the process.”
On the Right Foote
Foote, 24, has appeared in two games with New Jersey this season. He is expected to play in his third NHL game this season and wants to show the growth in his game since the start of the year.
“Continuing to use my size down low,” Foote said. “I feel like the last couple of months I’ve gotten more affective in my game, holding onto pucks. I feel like I’ve taken that to the next and feel I’ll carry it over to here.”
The 6-foot-3, 193-pound forward has 18 goals and 39 points in 53 games with the Comets. His 39 points leads the club while his 18 goals rank second.
“I play all roles down there so you’re getting a lot of ice time and handling different situations,” Foote said.
--Sam Kasan, Team Reporter
