Devils Top Hurricanes in Markström's Milestone Game

Published: Friday, November 22, 2024

by Kyle Ferreira

NEWARK, N.J. — The New Jersey Devils (13-7-2) returned home Thursday night from their Florida trip and earned a 4-2 victory over the Carolina Hurricanes (14-5-0).

After falling to the Tampa Bay Lightning on Saturday, the Devils were looking to get back on track, particularly with the Palat-Hughes-Bratt first line. New Jersey needed its top players to perform at an elite level against one of the league’s best teams, the Hurricanes. Fans in attendance were thrilled with the result.

Carolina struck first when center Jack Roslovic scored from close range, slipping the puck past Devils goaltender Jacob Markstrom. Markstrom stayed composed in his 500th career game, finishing with 20 saves on 22 shots.

The Ondrej Palat-Jack Hughes-Jesper Bratt line provided the spark the Devils needed. With 5:15 remaining in the first period, crisp passing from Palat and Hughes set up Bratt for his ninth goal of the season.

Bratt and Hughes were also involved in another goal, this time from Stefan Noesen in the second period. Just 46 seconds into the frame, Noesen gave the Devils the lead on the power play, scoring his 10th goal of the season. The power play remained lethal, as the Devils added another goal with a man advantage late in the third period, courtesy of Bratt.

With a goal from former Hurricane Dougie Hamilton, the Devils secured a crucial win over their Metro Division rivals. Under head coach Rod Brind’Amour since 2018-19, the Hurricanes have posted one of the highest point percentages in the league and boast one of the best penalty-kill units. The Devils knew they’d need to compete for all 60 minutes.

Overall, the Devils exacted revenge for their October 15th loss, and it was all positive in the postgame interviews.

“We’re learning to play tighter... if we give up 20 shots on goal, we really believe in our goalie,” said Jack Hughes. “It gives us a really good chance to win.”

An elated Markstrom was pleased with his performance on such a special day and with the support of his teammates.

“I feel like I’ve got a few more left in me... the guys made it special; they played a great game,” Markstrom said. “I thought everybody contributed.”

Head coach Sheldon Keefe was also impressed with his team's performance in all three periods on Thursday.

“I liked all three periods, quite honestly... lots to like about our game tonight,” Keefe said in the postgame conference. 

The Devils will hit the road to face the Washington Capitals on Saturday, who will be without star winger Alex Ovechkin. Carolina will travel to Columbus to face the Blue Jackets on Saturday.

Kyle Ferreira can be reached at kyle.ferreira@student.shu.edu. 

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