But this time the outcome was reversed. Unlike the 3-2 setback to Los Angeles on Friday, Damon Severson converted a game-deciding shootout tally to give the Devils a 3-2 victory against San Jose Saturday night at the SAP Center.
The Devils also received goals from Ryan Graves and a game-tying third period tally from Janne Kuokkanen.
"Last year we came close in a lot of games. Down by two, down by three, we'd claw our way back. We just weren't able to get that tying goal and send it to extra time," Severson said. "Tonight we were able to claw our way back and get it done."
New Jersey finished its three-game California trip with a 1-1-1 record and three points.
San Jose goals came from Rudolfs Balcers and Jonathan Dahlen.
Severson Caps Devils Comeback Shootout Victory | GAME STORY
New Jersey scored a late game-tying third-period goal before defeating San Jose in a shootout
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Damon's Redemption
Post-Game Players:
Bernier
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Severson
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Lindy Ruff
WHAT'S NEXT
The Devils return home to face Florida Tuesday night at Prudential Center. The game can be seen on MSG+ and heard on the Devils Hockey Network, including right here at NewJerseyDevils.com. Puck drop is 7:08 p.m. ET.
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Here are some observations from the game...
- What a redemption story for Severson, who took three penalties Friday night (one that the Kings scored on) that led to an overtime loss for New Jersey. He took another penalty early in tonight's game. But this time, with the game on the line and the extra point on his stick in the shootout, Severson converted to give the Devils a win.
"It's a great feeling as a player, especially when you get that vote of confidence from the coach," Severson said. "When you get a chance to finish the game like that it's icing on the cake on the road trip. It's huge. A great feeling for me and the team going home now."
- The Devils have done a much better job in the last two games of getting players to the net and establishing a presence in the dirty areas. Head coach Lindy Ruff said they've created those coveted second and third opportunities, but just didn't convert against Los Angeles. But against San Jose, Kuokkanen found a rebound chance with goaltender James Reimer down and out and tied the game late in the third with just 2:54 left in regulation. New Jersey knew it was a matter of time before it got rewarded for the effort. The reward came in the form of a late game-tying goal. - The Devils second-period tying goal was a demonstration of the type of hockey that Lindy Ruff wants from his team. It started in the defensive zone when captain Nico Hischier blocked a shot by Santeri Hatakka at the blue line. From there it was a quick transition and rush play, the foundation the Devils' desired attack, that led to the goal.
Though Hischier couldn't reach the blocked puck for a breakaway, he tied up Hatakka enough to allow Michael McLeod to gain possession and gain the zone with his teammates joining him on the rush. McLeod dropped the puck to Hischier, who had time to find Graves sneaking in the backdoor. A perfect pass from Hischier found Graves' tape before finding the net.
That's exactly what the Devils want from their offense. Strong defensive play that leads to turnovers and a quick transition attack. Those opportunities have been few and far between for the Devils, but it's a glimpse of how they want to play.
- The Devils are already hampered by missing their most important forward (Jack Hughes) and most important defenseman (Dougie Hamilton). But they are making the situation harder on themselves by taking penalties and putting too much pressure on their PK unit. In the last four games the Devils have had to kill six, seven, two and five power plays and surrended four goals. It may have cost them a point Friday night against Los Angeles. And another third-period penalty, which put them behind for much of the period, nearly cost them tonight against San Jose though they managed to tie the game.
"I thought the first one almost went in," Ruff said. "You've got bodies around the net. You've got a scramble. You've got that opportunity. We had a few of those.
"We created the scramble we needed, got the puck to the net and it found its way in."
- Goaltender Jonathan Bernier was fantastic in the game. He stopped Brent Burns with seven seconds remaining in overtime to force a shootout. He finished the night with 25 saves on 27 shots. - Jonas Siegenthaler has quietly been the Devils best defensive player. With the exception of one game, he's been solid all season long and consistent. - One problem that has hurt the Devils of late has been inaccurate passing. It not only hurt their offensive rush plays, but also defensive zone exits. Too many passes were far ahead, far behind or in their teammate's skates. Often it caused the receiver to alter his route or slow down to try and collect/control the puck. By then, the speed or route was lost (or both). They play just seemed off.
"I know he has a great shot. I was confident that my D would take the backdoor, so I went up and challenged that play," Bernier said. "I'm just trying to do my job."
