Devils 5, Avalanche 3: Comeback complete

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A few notes on New Jersey’s impressive come from behind win over the Colorado Avalanche:

What a response

The New Jersey Devils showed a lot last night. You could tell they wanted to use a date with the league’s best team as a measuring stick for where they’re at; or where they soon could be.

Things didn’t exactly start in ideal fashion. The Devils found themselves down a pair after the opening period and three behind just a few minutes into the 2nd period.

It would’ve been easy for the Devils to hang their heads and fold like a tent. Not much has gone their way this season, even when deserved.

Considering two-way stud Nico Hischier was out of the lineup, and the Devils were relying on a goaltender with nine games of experience against an electric offense, the Devils could’ve played it out somewhat lifelessly and nobody would have bat an eye. They didn’t.

No, the Devils put on their hard hats and went to work against the Avs, scoring five unanswered en route to a multi-goal victory.

It wasn’t a game where they had lucky bounces cover up for mistakes or fluked their way into a result. No, they earned it.

This feels strange to say but the Devils legitimately dominated the NHL’s best side. No, seriously.

Chances were 38-22 NJ. High-danger chances were 18-9 NJ. Expected goals? 4.4-2.99 NJ. No matter the metric of choice, the Devils were objectively the better side.

Coming back from 3-0 down is impressive against anybody. But the Avalanche? It’s unheard of; and that’s not an exaggeration.

Entering play the Avs were 23-0-0 when leading after 20 minutes. Again, they led by a pair after 20 and that lead was three early in the 2nd.

They still couldn’t hold off this Devils team minus one of its most important players. Yes, the Avs were in a back-to-back. Yes, anything can happen on any given night.

But the Avs’ record in back-to-backs has been nearly spotless over the last couple of years. For the Devils to come back on them, and dictate play the way they did, is remarkable.

This is the kind of showing that gives credence to CJ’s #JustTheGoalie mantra.