For their first loss on home ice, you’ll take it in a close game where they just got goalied. Ilya Sorokin made 3.06 saves above expected against the New Jersey Devils last night, and Mathew Barzal ended the game in overtime.
The difference between this team, and the one we saw in the last two seasons, is their ability to stay in the game until the bitter end. The Devils were SECONDS away from a regulation loss, and they squeezed a point out of it. In the two previous games, they were more fortunate in the extra time, and even forced overtime in similar fashion two games ago.
There’s no quit in this New Jersey team! More on last night’s win in the links.
Elsewhere, a rebound season from a forward in New Jersey, an MSG analyst is frustrated with the Blueshirts, and some drama going down in Philly.
Let’s do that hockey.
Devils Trade Rumors & News
New Jersey Hockey Now: Thanks to Simon Nemec, the Devils forced overtime against the New York Islanders last night. They probably deserved to win the game, but fell in the extra frame after Ilya Sorokin made 3.06 saves above expected.
More NJHN: The Devils got a little bit healthier yesterday when Zack MacEwen returned to the lineup vs. the Islanders.
Devils Rink Report: Dawson Mercer is having a rebound season. Here’s why the Devils forward is bouncing back in a big way.
Plus, Spittin’ Chiclets co-host/producer, Pasha Eshghi, broke down Brenden Dillon’s strong play to start the season. Be sure to like and subscribe to Devils Rink Report, and turn on those notifications for when we go LIVE every Friday at 3:30 P.M. ET on YouTube!
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NHL Trade Talk, News, & National Hockey Now
The Athletic ($): Team Canada is making decisions on their roster for the 2026 Winter Olympics. The insiders at The Athletic are hearing some rumblings on who is improving their stock, and who is falling out of favor. Hint hint, there may be some young blood wearing the Leaf.
Forever Blueshirts: Now, this was written before they won their first game on home ice. But, it’s just one win, the feeling very well could remain should they find themselves back in the loss column. Regardless, MSG analyst and former NHL goaltender Steve Valiquette is just as frustrated calling New York Rangers games as fans are watching the Blueshirts who have played poorly thus far.
Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Arseny Gritsyuk isn’t the only rookie in the Metropolitan Division who is making an impression. In fact, Gritsyuk could earn some Calder Trophy votes, but so could the standout Pittsburgh Penguins rookie.
San Jose Hockey Now: The San Jose Sharks are on a three-game win streak, are 7-2-1 in their last 10 games, and sit just outside of playoff position. Are… are the Sharks ahead of schedule? Can they make the playoffs? Inside the locker room, Sheng Peng gauges the meter.
Philly Hockey Now: Matvei Michkov has had his fair share of struggles to begin the season, but has recently found his stride, scoring in back-to-back games. Sean Couturier was asked about Michkov’s slow start and how the Philadelphia Flyers helped keep his frustration levels low postgame. His response caused an uproar on social media.
