Paul Cotter and Jesper Bratt were the heroes in the shootout, propelling the New Jersey Devils to a 3-2 victory over the Minnesota Wild on Monday night. This win marks the Devils` third triumph in their last four games.
In regulation time, Luke Hughes and Nico Hischier found the back of the net for the Devils. This victory marks their second consecutive win against the Wild, following a 5-2 win in Minnesota on Saturday. Goaltender Jacob Markstrom was solid, stopping 27 shots.
Vinnie Hinostroza and Matt Boldy were the goal scorers for the Wild, who are now on a four-losses-in-five-games streak. Filip Gustavsson made 26 saves in goal for Minnesota.
During the shootout, Cotter and Bratt successfully converted their attempts for the Devils. For the Wild, Boldy`s shot hit the crossbar on their second attempt, sealing the win for New Jersey.
Hughes, the 21-year-old defenseman and brother of the injured Devils center Jack Hughes, initiated the scoring late in the first period with his seventh goal of the season.
Hinostroza leveled the score in the third period, followed by Hischier who put the Devils ahead again. However, Boldy responded, tying the game once more and forcing overtime.
Key Points
Devils: The New Jersey Devils concluded March with eight wins out of sixteen games, reaching the 40-win milestone for the second time in three seasons. They maintain a firm hold on third place in the Metropolitan Division.
Wild: The Minnesota Wild suffered their fifth loss in their last six road games, despite holding a strong away record of 22-11-4 for the season.
Turning Point
Markstrom made a crucial save in overtime against Minnesota`s Jared Spurgeon. This win improves the 35-year-old goalie`s record to 25-14-6 in his debut season with the Devils.
Stat to Note
The Devils improved their home record to 18-13-5. They are set to play five of their remaining six games at the Prudential Center.
Looking Ahead
The Wild are scheduled to visit the New York Rangers on Wednesday, while the Devils will host the Rangers on Saturday.
MORE FROM SPORTSNET
- Drysdale, Fedotov help Flyers beat Predators for third straight win under Shaw
- NHL Playoff Push: Looking at wild-card odds
