Devils Drop 1-0 to San Jose Sharks

Published: Monday, November 11, 2024

by Patrick Corsello

NEWARK, N.J. - The New Jersey Devils (10-6) went up against the San Jose Sharks (5-9) on Sunday night, after beating the New York Islanders on the road Saturday night. The Devils wanted to bring the momentum that they had against the Islanders into this one against the Sharks, but they failed to do that, being shutout 1-0 to a team that is statistically the worst in the league. For NJ, Jake Allen was between the pipes for this one, as Jacob Markstrom started the previous game of this back-to-back.  

The first period started off quick, as there were already eight shots combined between the two sides. But the goaltenders stood tall, not letting in any of these chances. While Allen was in goal for the Devils, Mackenzie Blackwood started in net for the Sharks. Blackwood was a former Devil who played on the team for five years, spanning from 2018-2023.  

With about 12 minutes to play in the first, the patented “kill” chants were heard from the crowd, as NJD defenseman Brendan Dillon went to the box for tripping. This was the first penalty of the night. Fortunately for the Devils, they were able to escape without any harm done, only allowing two shots on goal.  

But the score was not even for long, as soon after, Nico Sturm found the back of the net for the Sharks, scoring unassisted for his third of the season. That would do it for the first, as the Sharks took a 1-0 lead into period two.  

It was far from over, but the Devils needed to increase the offensive pressure in the second period. They had a good chance to do that, as Nico Hischier was tripped up and the Devils went on their own power play. The Devils were unable to capitalize, and after the power play, quickly ended up taking a penalty of their own from an Ondrej Palat hooking call.  

Once again, “kill” chants sounded from the crowd as the Devils looked to kill off their second penalty of the night. They did just that, and the sharks were unable to connect with the extra skater.  

At the seven-minute mark of the second period, Fabian Zetterlund poked one past Allen, giving the Sharks a 2-0 lead. At least this is what was initially thought, until it was determined that Allen was interfered with in the crease. The goal was called off, and the score remained 1-0 in favor of San Jose.  

Things got a little chippy after this; the Devils took another penalty with Erik Haula delivering an illegal check to the head with just under two minutes to play. The Sharks did not connect on the power play before the period ended, but took a one-man advantage into the third for 14 seconds.  

As the third period began, this was the Devils’ final chance to tie this game. There was not much action until Mario Ferraro took a hooking penalty for the Sharks with less than four minutes remaining. This allowed the Devils to get a tying chance on the power play down one with 3:32 left.  

While the home team created a six-on-four chance, pulling Jake Allen before the two-minute mark, Mackenzie Blackwood stood his ground and killed the penalty for the Sharks. Though NJD still had the goalie pulled and a one-man advantage, they could not capitalize, and San Jose took this one in the end 1-0.  

The Devils' next two games will be Tuesday and Thursday in Sunrise, Florida, as they take on the Panthers, who are at the top of the Atlantic division.   

Patrick Corsello is an Assistant Music Director at WSOU and can be reached at patrick.corsello@student.shu.edu. 

 

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