Devils 4, Oilers 3: Comeback complete

Despite trailing by a pair heading into the final frame, New Jersey picked up a regulation win to extend their win streak to five.

Follow along on Twitter @ToddCordell | @InfernalAccess

Be sure to join the Discord channel to talk hockey, and everything else, with our writers and subscribers.

---

A few observations from New Jersey’s comeback win over the Edmonton Oilers:

Vanecek stepped up

I thought Vitek Vanecek was exceptional in relief of the injured Mackenzie Blackwood.

He was dealt a truly miserable hand, being thrust into an ultra fast paced game against a high-end team loaded with firepower.

There was absolutely no way to ease into the contest, either, as the league’s most lethal power play over the last few years had an opportunity to work – and converted immediately.

Given the circumstances, and that Vanecek allowed a goal on the first shot he faced, it would’ve been easy to see – and understand – the wheels coming off. Didn’t happen.

Vanecek quickly gathered himself and found his form, coming up with an abundance of 10-bell saves to keep the Devils in the game.

Forget making the saves he was supposed to (and one or two extras); he came up with a few he had no business making. Absolute game changers.

Shayna @hayyyshayyy

Key save by Vanecek here, who has been really solid now that he's warmed up.

Vanecek stopped 18 of 19, including all nine high-danger shots he faced. That’s right; nearly half of the shots were of the highest difficulty and he stopped every single one of them. It was one of the best 30 minute stretches we’ve seen from a Devils goaltender in years.

Considering the amount of quality Vanecek faced over a short period of time, it was definitely his most impressive appearance to date.

He has been trending in the right direction for a while, though. Since Vanecek made his 2nd start of the season, he has now faced 86 shots over four games. He stopped 82 of them, good for a .953 SV%. He also posted a .913 SV% against high-danger chances in that time.

He’s playing truly fantastic hockey, which is important with Mackenzie Blackwood sidelined. Vanecek is likely heading for quite a bit of work.