Keith Kinkaid, Taylor Hall, and Kyle Palmieri played a key role in the New Jersey Devils 2-1 win over the Calgary Flames.
- New Jersey Devils 2 (17-18-9, 43 pts)
- Calgary Flames 1 (23-20-2, 48 pts)
- NHL, Final, Box Score
- Scotiabank Saddledome, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Jumping out to a 2-0 lead after the first period, the Devils showed good signs in many departments, most importantly determination to win.
#NJDEVILS WIN! @kylepalmieri and @hallsy09 lift the #NJDevils to a 2-1 win over the Flames! #NJDvsCGY pic.twitter.com/ahGQysYyQP
— New Jersey Devils (@NJDevils) January 14, 2017
With yet another strong performance from Keith Kinkaid, the Devils backed up their second-string goaltender with strong defense and persistent attacks in the offensive zone, something New Jersey has yet to do for the entirety of a game all season. Goals from Hall and Palmieri, as well as great assistance from Henrique, Parenteau, and the defensive lines, led to the team’s victory.
Truth be told, the Devils performed so well on the attack, that if they converted half of their chances, their lead could have been 7-0 after 30 minutes of hockey.
Whether it was from the mouth of John Hynes, or captain Andy Greene, something sparked hunger for victory in the Devils, and they achieved their mission. That being said, the ambition and fight that was played out on the ice tonight, needs to be carried on to the next game.
Heartbreaker after heartbreaker, this team has lost its will to win.
The two games against Edmonton, ending in OT losses, as well as the two blowouts at the hands of Toronto and Florida give New Jersey no reason to believe they bring competition. This win, fueled by an unknown source of energy, is key.
If the Devils fail to bring this momentum forward in play, someone on the bench should be under scrutiny. If the coaching squad can’t embed the importance of this win into the players, changes would need to be made.
All that being said, the Devils played a great game, perhaps their greatest of the season. The goals didn’t come in abundance, but the players came together and played a full 60 minutes of strong hockey.
Hall, Palmieri, Kinkaid, and many more are to thank for this must-win game. The Devils next match-up will come against the Canucks in Vancouver on Sunday at 7 p.m. ET.
#NJDevils lead 2-0 thanks to goals from Palms and Hallsy! #NJDvsCGY pic.twitter.com/V6eKaD35Ye
— New Jersey Devils (@NJDevils) January 14, 2017
Hall yeah! #NJDvsCGY pic.twitter.com/A0rN4nLJUw
— New Jersey Devils (@NJDevils) January 14, 2017
