Flyers 4, Devils 2: Slow start proves costly

The Devils quickly found themselves in a multi-goal hole they weren't able to dig out of.

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The New Jersey Devils started their week off on a losing note, falling 4-2 to the Philadelphia Flyers.

Slow start proves costly

The Devils started last night’s game in about the worst way possible. Just a few shifts in Rasmus Ristolainen got his stick up on Ondrej Palat and drew blood, handing an elite power play a four-minute man advantage right off the hop. It was a golden opportunity to hit the ground running.

To say the Devils squandered it would be an understatement. They didn’t score, they had numerous ugly turnovers, and gave up multiple quality chances the other way.

They also had a bad break against them, with Noah Cates using a broken stick to get the puck out yet not getting penalized in a situation that should’ve resulted in a 5-on-3.

When all was said and done, the Devils seemed to breathe life into the Flyers and turned a four-minute penalty into a net positive for the home team.

Shortly after, the Flyers netted a pair of goals in quick succession. Just like that the Devils, who were missing one of their best weapons in Nico Hischier, were behind multiple goals against a Flyers team that ranks 7th in expected goals against while leading. Not a good place to be.

Ultimately, the Devils were unable to dig themselves out of the early hole and it was the difference in the game.

Jake Allen fought back