Devils 2, Canadiens 1: Goaltending steals the show

Led by Mackenzie Blackwood and Nico Daws, the Devils were able to grind out a win in Montreal.

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A few observations from New Jersey’s 2-1 victory over the Montreal Canadiens:

Mackenzie Blackwood was excellent

I loved, loved, loved what I saw from Mackenzie Blackwood in the opener. He looked extremely fluid and explosive from the start of the game to the moment he was pulled. He effortlessly moved from side-to-side. He was consistently squared up to the shooter. He had good push getting out to the top of the crease to challenge. There didn’t appear to be anything holding him back. Quite frankly, I haven’t seen Blackwood move so freely in the better part of two years.

Despite facing 16 shots, including a few sequences where second and third efforts were necessary, Blackwood was beaten only once. It was a blast of a shot from Cole Caufield - the most natural finisher playing in the game - from his spot on the power play; there’s no shame in that.

Nico Daws deserves credit for nicely following up Blackwood’s effort and helping the Devils pull off the victory. Make no mistake, though; Blackwood’s performance was the headliner. I don’t think he could’ve looked much better.

The power play was creative