Newark, N.J. — Jake Allen turned in a stellar performance, stopping 33 shots through regulation and overtime before shutting the door in the shootout, as the New Jersey Devils outlasted the Pittsburgh Penguins 2–1 on Saturday night at the Prudential Center. The win lifted New Jersey into sole possession of first place in the Metropolitan Division.
Paul Cotter netted the decisive shootout goal for the Devils, while Jesper Bratt also converted his attempt. Allen denied both Bryan Rust and Sidney Crosby to secure the victory, capping off a night in which he was clearly New Jersey’s difference-maker.
Pittsburgh controlled much of the play and outshot New Jersey for long stretches, but Allen kept the Devils afloat. The only puck that beat him came on a fluky sequence in the second period, when former Devil Ryan Graves fired a shot that deflected off Ondrej Palat and into the net.
New Jersey’s lone goal in regulation came late in the first period from rookie forward Arseny Gritsyuk, who capitalized on a costly turnover by Penguins defenseman Kris Letang. Gritsyuk buried his third goal of the season with just 57.5 seconds left in the opening frame.
Devils captain Nico Hischier provided a scare in the third period after taking a puck to the face but returned to finish the game.
On the other end, Penguins goalie Arturs Silovs was sharp early — highlighted by a spectacular glove save to rob Jack Hughes in the second period — but his shootout woes continued. Silovs has now surrendered goals on seven of eight shootout attempts this season. He finished with 23 saves in regulation and overtime.
The game also featured some physical moments, including a spirited first-period fight between Anthony Mantha and Brenden Dillon, following Dillon’s heavy open-ice hit on Thomas Novak.
Up Next:
Penguins: Return home to face the Los Angeles Kings on Sunday before heading overseas for two games in Sweden against Nashville.
Devils: Host the New York Islanders on Monday, when top draft pick Matthew Schaefer is set to make his first appearance in Newark.
