N.J. Devils: Mackenzie Blackwood Turns Away Bruins

From the desk: THE BRICK CITY STYX

Devils lead Bruins; 4-1

I - BOS 3; NJD 2*

II - NJD 2; BOS 1#

III - NJD 3; BOS 2

IV - NJD 1; BOS 0

V - NJD 1; BOS 0

*shootout

#overtime

Devils Extend Win Streak to Four Against Boston

Kyle Palmieri's goal at 16:37 of the first period holds up.  It was his seventh of the season.  He now has 16 points in 32 games making the Smithtown, Long Island, native a little more attractive to other teams as the NHL trade deadline approaches.  Since arriving from Anaheim, Kyle has touched or topped 20 goals in each of his first five seasons with the Devils.  Were it not for last year's pandemic shortened schedule, he was on pace for the second 30 goal season in his career but finished with 25 goals and 20 assists in 65 games.

Ty Smith's 17th assist ties his for team-lead with 19 points; Jesper Bratt picked up the second assist on Palmieri's goal.

Boston unleashed 40 shots on goal, and Mackenzie Blackwood stopped them all for his first shutout of the season.  Nine saves came on special teams and 31 at even strength.  He made 17 saves in the third period but none more important than his kick-save with just seven seconds left in regulation - absolute thievery.  It's the Devils' second blanking of the Bruins.  Three weeks ago, Scott Wedgewood likewise shutout the Bruins in a 1-0 final.

The Devils and Bruins resume hostilities on Tuesday.  Afterwhich, Newark hosts the Washington Capitals.  The Devils are winless in six games this season against the Capitals.  However, they have now taken four of five games against the Boston Bruins.

Captain Nico Hischier remains out.  He has played just five games this season.