FIRST PERIOD

Despite another strong first minute on Monday, the Oilers couldn’t take the lead for a third straight game and instead fell behind after allowing the first goal on the Devils’ first attempt.

Edmonton outscored New Jersey 5-0 in the first five minutes and hit a crossbar early when Adam Henrique had a chance similar to Leon Draisaitl’s first goal in Calgary last night, finding himself wide open in front for a chance who had previously beaten goalkeeper Jake Allen. the shot hit the crossbar and went out of play.

Henrique had a point in three straight games (5G, 1A) against New Jersey prior to Monday’s game and recorded his first and only NHL hat-trick against the Devils on December 17, 2023 as a member of the Ducks. Anaheim.

When the Devils got extended offensive zone time, forward Jesper Bratt was able to find Stefan Noesen as he entered the zone after a change to take a shot on goal that hit the left post and went wide. spread over the line while Dougie Hamilton and Darnell Nurse fought to create a screen in front.

The Devils looked much more dangerous with a 1-0 lead near the middle of the period when a Hamilton shot took a slight deflection off Jeff Skinner en route, leaving Calvin Pickard in an awkward position to defend Bratt’s follow-up. on the rebound, but the Oilers goalie sprawled to deny the winger a point-blank chance.

Wide-open chances were a theme for both teams in the first half, with Edmonton and New Jersey feeling like the score could have been 3-3 in 20 minutes, although the Devils maintained a slight advantage. a goal at intermission.

After Henrique had another near-open look on the New Jersey goal that went unconverted, it was ultimately Jack Hughes who denied the Devils a two-goal lead.

The elite American center made an unintentional save on Bratt’s wide-open shot from outside the crease when he was guided into the blue paint by Darnell Nurse, causing his teammate’s effort to go wide with the handle of his stick and staying out before Hughes leaned in again. incredulity.