However, again, inside the final three minutes of the period New Jersey struck again, taking a 5-4 advantage and the momentum into the third period.
Despite a push from the road side in the final 20 the only scoring came from the hosting club, sending the contest to its 7-4 final.
They Said It:
Brady Skjeisharing his thoughts on the game as a whole...
"That definitely wasn't the way we wanted to play our game. We just kind of never found it. Our game is getting pucks behind their defensemen and making it hard on them. We have to learn from this. Everyone in the locker room knows that's not the way we play."
Skjei, continuing on how to try and uplift LaFontaine after a night like tonight...
"We didn't help him out at all, really. We kind of left him out to dry on a few of those. It's tough that that's his first game. We'll be there to support him. He's a good goalie and we know that he'll bounce back from this.
Rod Brind'Amouroffering his thoughts on the night...
"We had a couple guys play pretty well, but not 20, and that's what you need. Give them credit. They played hard, they did what they wanted to do and we didn't really do much of anything."
What's Next?:
The team will fly back to Raleigh immediately post-game and have an off day Sunday.
Bonus Notes:
Worth A Click:
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