The New Jersey Devils earned a dramatic 3-2 shootout victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins on Tuesday night, marking their 30th win of the 2024-25 season and showcasing their resilience on the road.
The game took place at the PPG Paints Arena, where both teams battled fiercely as they sought valuable points. Timo Meier clinched the victory for the Devils with the final goal in the seventh round of the shootout, bringing to light the intensity and unpredictability of NHL matchups.
Jack Hughes emerged as the standout for New Jersey, scoring twice before the game went to the shootout. His first goal came late in the first period, as he took advantage of the Penguins' defensive lapses. Jesper Bratt, assisting on both of Hughes' goals, continues to prove valuable to the team's offense, now totaling 45 points this season.
The Devils started strong, establishing a 2-0 lead by the second period. Hughes netted his second goal early on, pushing the Devils out front as the team capitalized on their chances. A power play opportunity after P.O. Joseph's high-sticking penalty on Justin Dowling paved the way for the Devils to put pressure on the Penguins.
Despite the strong opening, the Penguins clawed their way back, thanks to Rickard Rakell's goal, cutting the deficit to 2-1 at the 14:56 mark of the second period. Sidney Crosby assisted, marking his 93rd career point against New Jersey, showcasing his long-standing presence as a dominant player.
Kevin Hayes completed the Penguins' comeback effort by tying the game 2-2 with just over 12 minutes left in the game. The third period intensified as both teams vied for control, each seeking to gain momentum but unable to break the tie, leading to overtime.
Overtime showed both teams' resilience but ended without any team finding the net, culminating the game to the shootout. Pittsburgh struck first with goals from Rakell and Beauvillier, but it was Daws' heroics—alongside scores from Dougie Hamilton and Meier—that sealed the win for New Jersey.
Nico Daws played impressively, especially for his first start of the season, stopping 25 shots during regulation and overtime. He managed to deny five attempts during the shootout, solidifying his role as the backbone of the night’s victory. Meier praised Daws, stating, “Unbelievable performance by him. We wouldn't have gotten those two points without him,” exemplifying the importance of strong goaltending.
On the other side, Penguins' goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic made 19 saves but faced criticism for allowing key goals without adequate support. The Penguins struggled to regain their footing after losing defenseman Marcus Pettersson earlier this season, impacting their overall performance.
The recent matchup was not only significant due to the points at stake but also emphasized the fierce rivalry between these two Metro Division foes. The Devils' win extended their current streak to six victories against the Penguins, demonstrating their increasing dominance. But coach Sheldon Keefe recognized the need for improvement, stating, “It would have been nice to get the third one or not give up the one at the end of the second. Lots of resilience. Guys were battling, guys were tired, through overtime, through the shootout,” acknowledging his team’s efforts even amid challenges.
The Devils will now look to build on this momentum as they head back home for their next game against the Vegas Golden Knights on Thursday. This victory was particularly important for New Jersey, coming off disappointment against the lowly Buffalo Sabres.
The Penguins, meanwhile, will begin their own road trip against the New York Rangers on Friday night, seeking to capitalize on their hard-fought point earned against the Devils.
This game underlined the significance of each match as the season progresses toward the playoffs, with teams like the Devils showcasing talent and determination on the ice.