The New Jersey Devils secured a confident 4-0 victory over the Montreal Canadiens on February 8, 2025, demonstrating their skill and teamwork just before heading off for a break. The game, attended by enthusiastic fans at the Bell Centre, highlighted some remarkable individual performances and solidified the Devils' status as serious contenders this season.
Jesper Bratt was particularly instrumental for the Devils, scoring one goal and providing one assist, totaling two points during the game. Bratt's contributions helped the Devils jump to a quick lead, with him scoring the team's opening goal at 13:43 of the first period. He took advantage of an offensive zone line change to dart unmarked to the slot, receiving a pass from Tomas Tatar and beating Canadiens goalie Sam Montembeault. This goal marked Bratt’s eighth consecutive game with points, extending his streak to impressive lengths with two goals and ten assists during this span.
Remarkably, Bratt wasn't the only player stepping up for the Devils; Jack Hughes also made his mark on the game, also collecting two points with a goal and assist, contributing to his team’s victory. Paul Cotter and Luke Hughes joined the point production with goals of their own, showcasing the team's depth and offensive capabilities. Cotter’s goal came during the second period, after Bratt assisted him off of his own rebound, increasing New Jersey's lead to 2-0.
Despite the score deficit, the Canadiens were not without their chances. The visiting Devils showcased strong defensive play, with goaltender Jake Allen standing tall, making 34 saves for his fourth shutout of the season. Allen displayed his skills throughout the game, transforming what could have been scoring opportunities for Montreal, including key saves against Cole Caufield and Josh Anderson. Head coach Sheldon Keefe commended Allen's performance, stating, "He has been great... he was really calm and kept everything in front of him." Acknowledging the nearly shutout atmosphere, Keefe recognized the importance of Allen's composure: "That was what our team needed."
The impressive defensive tactics employed by the Devils were effective throughout the game. While the Canadiens outshot New Jersey 34-22, the Devils managed to maintain control over the ice. New Jersey’s dynamic fourth line, which included Tatar, Curtis Lazar, and Nathan Bastian, contributed significantly to the team’s ability to pressure Montreal. Their relentless effort helped secure key moments and opportunities leading to scoring chances, setting the perfect stage for Bratt, Hughes, and Cotter to pounce.
later on, the third period saw continued scoring from the Devils, highlighted by Jack Hughes scoring shorthanded less than two minutes after the start. Luke Hughes capped off the day with the fourth goal, showcasing the offensive prowess growing within the squad. The younger Hughes brother seized the puck off the boards, executing a powerful one-timer to close the game decisively at 4-0, effectively putting the game out of reach for the Canadiens.
This victory couldn’t have come at a more important moment for the Devils, who were preparing for the 4 Nations Face-Off break. Head coach Sheldon Keefe emphasized the importance of closing out the game well—before they head off for the upcoming hiatus—calling it necessary following their recent fluctuations on the ice. Allen shared his sentiments, noting, "Obviously, we have been up and down for quite some time lately... it was a good way to close it out." This closure provides them with momentum as they will have almost two weeks of rest before returning to play on February 22 against the Dallas Stars.
Conversely, the Montreal Canadiens continued to struggle, dropping to 25-25-5 with yet another loss. This marks their seventh defeat in eight games, which drastically impacts their standing as they aim to compete for the playoffs. Following the defeat, they will host the Tampa Bay Lightning on Super Bowl Sunday. The Habs now face mounting pressure as they try to regroup and reclaim footing amid their challenging stretch.
Overall, the New Jersey Devils showcased their strength, skill, and teamwork, allowing them to secure this important victory. Their solid performance could be the key to regaining momentum as they move forward, leaving fans excited about their championship aspirations. With their next game on the horizon, all eyes will be on how this talented squad develops their chemistry and capabilities following their short break.