What Devils Game Three Victory Means Going Forward
The odds were never in New Jersey's favor this season, especially after the first two matchups in Raleigh. The Devils looked to make this a series again in the Prudential Center in Game Three, still without Luke Hughes and Brenden Dillon. On one hand, Carolina could take a 3-0 series lead and have New Jersey by the throat, or New Jersey could pull to within one and be right back in the series, what a situation. Devils fans were treated to quite the showdown as regulation wasn’t enough, nor was a single overtime. Shortly into double overtime, Šimon Nemec, a scratch for Game One, was the hero as he scored the game-winning goal in double overtime to put New Jersey right back in the series. Still trailing by one, this victory seems to mean more than fans may think.
Injuries have taken hold of New Jersey through the season, putting them at a weak point right now. Ever since Jack Hughes was taken out for the season, this Devils team has had to make up for his absence, a rather difficult job, no doubt. Not only did they manage to move forward and clinch without their superstar, but they were also able to hold on and win against a cup-contending team, even without Jack and a few other key players. Though their odds to win the series still remain low, this victory paints a good picture in fans' minds of what to expect when this team is healthy again. It may be another year of waiting, but this team being healthy in the playoffs would be a lot of trouble for the other teams. With Jonas Siegenthaler back in the lineup, same with Dougie Hamilton, inserting the two Hughes brothers looks to be all that’s left for an unstoppable team next season.
Luke Hughes and Brenden Dillon are confirmed to remain out for Game Four tomorrow afternoon, so it would make sense for nothing to change lineup-wise. A victory in Game Four evens this series up, putting the pressure back on Carolina at home. From how they’ve improved from the first two games, fans should be proud to see an injured team putting up a fight. Young players in this group getting the experience remains huge as well, what they learn will surely be beneficial next postseason. Play like they played last night, as well as hoping Jacob Markström continues to hold his own, then this series may just be tied up tomorrow. Less than 16 hours until the puck drops in New Jersey, and fans would be right to feel confident that this team can surprise them once again.
