Meier’s goal makes no sense: a weak final third costs Devils their victory

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The New Jersey Devils lose important points in the NHL in the battle for a playoff spot. The team from Newark collapses in the third period against the Pittsburgh Penguins.

The game between the Devils and the Penguins is not just a game between the table neighbors in the Eastern Conference. With one point difference, the two teams are in 12th and 11th place, five and six points respectively behind the Washington Capitals in 8th place, which still entitles them to participate in the play-offs. With the guests from Pennsylvania, the Devils also receive one of their favorite opponents. Captain Nico Hischier’s team won the last seven games without exception.

This time too, things look good for the Devils for a long time. They led 3-1 until 13 minutes before the end. Shortly before the end of the first third, Timo Meier equalized and made the score 1-1, Hischier was one of the preparations. Canadian Curtis Lazar and Jesper Bratt took the lead with two goals in the second period. Hischier is also the origin of the Swede’s goal.

Two of the big players initiate the turnaround in favor of the Penguins. Canadian Sidney Crosby, he on the power play, and Russian Yevgeny Malkin equalized within 67 seconds with their first goals of the evening. Malkin also scores to make it 5:3, and Crosby also scores the final point with a shot into the Devils’ abandoned penalty area.

The playoffs are getting further and further away for the Devils

On the Devil’s side, the Swiss were again working with three men. Jonas Siegenthaler returned after a forced three-week break and a healed concussion. The Zurich defender, who was out of action from early January to mid-February due to a broken foot, was not available for the previous nine games.

In the Eastern Conference rankings, the Devils are still six points behind the Washington Capitals, who remain in 8th place despite the 2:6 defeat to the Buffalo Sabres. New Jersey still has seven games left in the regular season to reach its goal of making the playoffs, which has become even further away.

Bankruptcies for Kurashev, Suter and Josi

The Devils’ competitors for a place in the decisive phase of the championship also include the New York Islanders. The team from the “Big Apple” moved within one point of the Capitals thanks to the 2-1 home win against the Chicago Blackhawks with Philipp Kurashev. Kurashev is the passer for Canadian Jason Dickinson’s opening goal in the first third.

As losers, the Nashville Predators also have to come off the ice. The team with captain Roman Josi lost 0-3 to the Boston Bruins in their home arena. Despite the third loss in a row, the Predators are still clearly on course for the playoffs in the Western Conference. The Vancouver Canucks with Pius Suter, who have already secured their place in the decisive phase of the championship, lost 3:6 to the Stanley Cup winner Vegas Golden Knights. (SDA)

Source : Blick