Here are some observations from the game:
• The first two goals the Devils conceded to the Canucks were the cause of small mistakes, leaving the slot unprotected and giving the Vancouver players the time and space to get their shots off, uncontested. The first came from Pius Suter in the first period, the second was the Lekkerimaki goal in the third.
It is small coverage lapses like leaving the slot open that took away from what was otherwise a game Sheldon Keefe liked from his team, as he pointed out in his post-game press conference.
“I liked our game, I thought we played a good game we just made mistakes,” he said. “The first and second goals are us exposing the slot area which is a fundamental in our system and structure. Normally we do a good job at that, today we made too many mistakes and gave too much space in that area. Cost us two goals, a couple other chances. That to me is where I’d like us to be better.”
• Despite the loss, Jacob Markstrom was solid in net for New Jersey. Markstrom has been working to find his way into a positive rhythm since his return to the lineup in early March and while the results haven’t been there, head coach Sheldon Keefe saw Markstrom’s performance on Monday night as a real step in the right direction.
“I thought Marky was good today, that’s why it’s tough the game goes the way that it does, I thought he was really good. A really positive step for Marky,” Keefe said.
Markstrom made 25 saves on 28 shots.
• Erik Haula has goals in three straight games, picking up steam at a critical time of year. And especially with the injuries the Devils have faced, they’ve needed everyone to find a way to up their game. Haula has been one of them.
“He’s a guy we needed more from and he’s been giving that to us,” Keefe said.
• March is Meier’s month. Meier’s power play goal midway through the second period was his sixth goal this month to lead New Jersey.
The goal came off a dazzling no-look, backhand feed from Dawson Mercer standing up atop the Canucks crease in front of Thatcher Demko. It was a tape-to-tape pass, Meier’s initial shot rebounding right back out to him before hammering it into the net for his 21st goal of the season.
• On the Amazon Prime broadcast in Canada, Jesper Bratt was featured in an interview with studio host Andi Petrillo and asked about recently tying and surpassing Scott Stevens’ record for the franchises’ most assists in a single season, tying it with his 60th then surpassing, and adding yet another one tonight to reach 62.
Bratt had a great response when asked by Petrillo.
“He’s such an amazing player, and amazing career. I hope to have my name on some bigger things that he’s been on too.”
• Bratt’s assist was his 82nd point of the year, one-off from the career-high he set last season of 83.
• Johnathan Kovacevic saved a near-sure goal when he came to Markstrom’s aid. Markstrom made an initial save on forward Nils Aman’s drive through the crease, where he tipped the puck into the Devils netminder. The puck was left alone in the blue paint and at the very moment Aman was able to get a second, backhand, whack at it, Kovacevic, from behind the goal line, had the wherewithal to place his stick on the goal line to swoop the puck out of any danger.
This post was originally published on this site be sure to check out more of their content.
