New Jersey Devils lose in shootout to San Jose Sharks and remain without a win

The New Jersey Devils came into Friday seeking their first win of the season against the San Jose Sharks, but after a thrilling game, the Devils remain without a win.

The first period got off to an awful start against the Sharks, as early pressure from San Jose led to a goal. Patrick Marleau got the Sharks the lead just over two minutes into the game with his third goal of the season on a good look from in front of the net.

New Jersey was able to bounce back from the early goal by Marleau with some great opportunities and pressure in the offensive end, but Martin Jones kept the Devils from tying the game in the first period with some great saves.

In the second period, both teams had some great opportunities to score and that started with a penalty shot. Marleau was awarded a penalty shot against Cory Schneider, but the Devils’ goalie was able to win the one-on-one battle against Marleau by making a nice save in an important situation.

Shortly after the penalty shot, the Devils went on the power play on a boarding penalty against Joe Pavelski. New Jersey has been good on the power play so far this season, but they were unable to even the score against Jones and the Sharks.

While the Sharks were on the power play, the Devils were able to get the puck in the net, but an interference call on Stephen Gionta led to the goal being waived off. The Devils elected not to challenge, as the call on the ice for interference was the right one by the officials.

At the beginning of the third period, the Devils were gift-wrapped a chance to tie the game with three penalties on the Sharks in the first five minutes of the period. Despite all of the power play time, the Devils were unable to get one past Jones.

The fourth power play of the period would be the charm for the Devils, as they were finally able to get one past Jones with the man advantage. Adam Henrique was credited with the game-tying goal with the assists going to Damon Severson, Jordin Tootoo.

In overtime, the 3-on-3 play was wild with great chances coming for both teams, but like in regulation it was Jones and Schneider that shined in the net. With neither team being able to score, the game headed into a shootout.

Henrique set the tone in the shootout with a wrist shot past Jones as the first skater. Pavelski would match Henrique’s goal with one of his own. After a save on the Devils’ second attempt, Brent Burns would get one past Schneider to give the Sharks the lead. New Jersey was unable to keep the shootout going on a wide shot by Mike Cammalleri.

The Devils may not have won the game, but they got their first point of the season and played some very good hockey. It was a tough loss for Schneider who saved 34 shots but was outplayed by Jones in the shootout.

Next up for New Jersey will be a Sunday matinee against the New York Rangers in Madison Square Garden.

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