Devils 3, Kraken 1: Blackwood stole two points

New Jersey was second best for much of the night but, once again, fantastic goaltending ensured that didn't matter.

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A few notes following New Jersey’s home victory over the Seattle Kraken:

Blackwood stole the show

Mackenzie Blackwood was far and away the Devils’ best player from start to finish, which has been a rarity in recent years.

Coming off a blowout loss, it was evident early that the Kraken were not messing around. They controlled a lot of the play from the get go and were able to work the puck into high-danger areas far too frequently.

While the Devils had a few stretches where they were able to generate sustained pressure down low in the offensive zone, actually breaking the Kraken down and converting that time of possession into Grade A looks proved very difficult. The Devils generated only five high-danger opportunities, a far cry from the Kraken’s total of 12.

The Devils looked equally as poor in other categories; the Kraken also held big advantages in shot attempts (71-49) and expected goals (3.59-2.17). They did a much, much better job of generating volume around the paint.

And, as has often been the case of late, it didn’t matter. The Devils were opportunistic of their chances at one end and Blackwood completely shut the door at the other.

I know Blackwood has put together some strong showings under heavy workloads in recent weeks but this is one of the most complete performances I can remember from him.

Normally, in a game like this, he’ll make a handful of big saves but sneak a stinker or two in that makes you somewhat mum on his effort. Not Thursday night.

The offense was bare bones