In a notable NHL matchup, the New Jersey Devils secured a commanding 7-2 victory over the San Jose Sharks. The game was marked by a significant event as Sharks' goalie Mackenzie Blackwood exited the game due to a lower-body injury at 17:34 of the first period, replaced by Kaapo Kahkonen. Prior to his exit, Blackwood had made eight saves during a penalty kill, demonstrating his skill despite the Devils' aggressive play which saw them leading in shots. Nico Hischier and Jack Hughes were standout players for the Devils, contributing significantly to the team's offense. Hischier ended the game with four points (1 goal, 3 assists), while Hughes added three points (1 goal, 2 assists). The Devils' performance was a collective effort, with contributions from other key players as well. The Sharks managed to score twice, but it was not enough to challenge the Devils' lead. The loss was a tough one for the Sharks, especially with the uncertainty surrounding Blackwood's condition, who has had a history of injuries.
Lower-body injury for Blackwood. No update other than that from Quinn. #SJSharks
Hischier has 4 points, Devils get back on track with win against Sharks ⤵️ https://t.co/nnIB0CPPat
Captain Nico Hischier (1-3—4) and Jack Hughes (1-2—3) sparked the @NJDevils offense to a seven-goal outing, with their latter posting a three-point outing for the 10th time this season. #NHLStats: https://t.co/HRiCZxGnzw https://t.co/CR18NHWILX
Sharks lose goalie to injury, are embarrassed at home by New Jersey Devils https://t.co/ckHZNjs918
The #NJDevils are back in the win column. They crush the Sharks, 7-2. https://t.co/zlisPbAIpf
Tough game for the #SJSharks as they lose Blackwood to injury. Nico Hischer had a 4-point night, and Timo Meier got 2 assists in his return. Read the recap on @TheHockeyNews.⤵️ https://t.co/21ZBcRvFqW https://t.co/21ZBcRvFqW
#NJDevils win 7-2. Discuss⤵️ https://t.co/dANHPiV5qv
And that will do it! #NJDevils kick off the road trip with a bit 7-2 win in San Jose.
Sharks score. Still 7-2, us.
Sharks score. 7-2 #NJDevils
Sharks cut into the #NJDevils lead with their second tonight. 7-2
The #NJDevils top players are getting the job done, along with the supporting cast as well. Nico: 1g-3a Jack: 1g -2a Bratt: 1g-1a Meier: 2a (and a goal called back for offside)
Meier-Hischier-Bratt have combined for eight points, four to Hischier, two each to Bratt and Meier. #NJDevils
After dealing with injuries during his Devils career Blackwood has been healthy for the Sharks. Tonight marks the first time he plays them in his career. At 17:34 of the first period Blackwood left the game with an injury 🤦♂️. Tough break for the guy. #SJSharks
After dealing with injuries during his devils career Blackwood has been healthy for the sharks. Tonight marks the first time he plays them in his career. At 17:34 of the first period Blackwood left the game with an injury 🤦♂️. Tough break for the guy. #SJSharks
End of 2, and the Devils lead 3-1. Sharks need to settle down. They played extra frantic that frame and I am sure they are thrown off because of the Blackwood injury
End of two. #NJDevils come out swinging in the second, take the 3-1 lead on the Sharks. 1: ✖️Sturm (Barabanov) 2:🚨 Bratt (Meier, Hischier) 2:🚨 J. Hughes 2:🚨 Bahl (Hischier, J. Hughes) Shots 29-24, NJ
Mackenzie Blackwood will not return to tonight's #SJSharks #NJDevils game. After dealing with injuries for much of his career, the goalie has not been injured at all this season. Read on @TheHockeyNews.⤵️ https://t.co/HGnUvtXurw https://t.co/HGnUvtXurw
Blackwood will not return tonight
Sharks say Blackwood will not return
#SJSharks announce Mackenzie Blackwood won't return. @TheHockeyNews
Mackenzie Blackwood remains out after suffering an injury in the first. Kahkonen in net for SJ.
Mackenzie Blackwood has not returned for San Jose Sharks to start the second period, so #NJDevils will continue to face Kahkonen in net in San Jose.
Credit to #SJSharks, Devils raced out to 9-3 shots lead, but Sharks ended period down just 13-12 shots
Sharks outshot the Devils 8-2 over the final 8 minutes of the first period. Waiting to get an update on Blackwood.
Sharks caught up in shots and it is 13-12 in favor of NJ. Sharks lead 1-0, but the question is now what is going on with Blackwood. Hopefully just an equipment issue, but we will get an update shortly I'd assume
Blackwood comes out of the game and down the tunnel. Kahkonen in the Sharks net.
Kaapo Kahkonen is in and Mackenzie Blackwood is out. Not sure why
Blackwood is not on the bench
Not sure what happened but Kaapo Kahkonen has taken over in net for Mackenzie Blackwood.
Eight saves for Blackwood on that penalty kill. Unreal. Shots are 12-3 in favor of NJ.
#NJDevils PP1 just held the zone for the entire two minutes and had eight shots on Mackenzie Blackwood.
Devils had EIGHT shots on that one power play. Blackwood.
#NJDevils has nine shots on that PP. Blackwood stopped them all.
#NJDevils getting the first power play of the night. Hischier, Bratt, Luke, Jack, Toffoli.