By: Anthony Sevilla, EBC Sports International, Canada Bureau
VANCOUVER, CANADA (Eagle News) — The New Jersey Devils arrived in Vancouver, British Columbia to take on the Vancouver Canucks at Rogers Arena. The Vancouver Canucks were coming off a thrilling 2-1 Overtime loss at home to the Dallas Stars after winning four straight games while the New Jersey Devils were trying to extend their winning streak to three games. A win here would put the New Jersey Devil only three points behind the Tampa Bay Lightning in the Eastern Conference.
The end of the 1st period saw both teams scoreless with solid goaltending from the Devils’ Corey Schneider and the Canucks’ Jacob Markstrom.
The first score of the game came when Jimmy Hayes of the New Jersey Devils made a goal at 10:09 into the 2nd period, giving him his third goal of the season. Vancouver on the other hand, continued to remain scoreless into the 3rd period. They were unable to capitalize on both of their power plays, as well as going 0-4 on the man-advantage the entire game.
As the time ticked away and 14 seconds left in the final period, the New Jersey Devils sealed the game with an empty net goal from Drew Stafford, making it his fourth goal of the season.
For the Devils’ starting goaltender Corey Schneider, it has been a long time since he played in Vancouver. After being drafted, Schneider spent his first 2 seasons with the Vancouver Canucks. In his return to Vancouver, Schneider finished the game with 37 saves, stopping all 37 shots and earning him his first shutout of the season.
The New Jersey Devils, following their win in Vancouver has improved their record on the road to 5-0 with a 9-2-0 record on the season, earning the team their best start in franchise history. While Vancouver remains third in the Pacific Division, only 2 points behind the Vegas Golden Knights and only 1 point ahead of the Anaheim Ducks. (Eagle News Service)
