Top-2: Devils allow six goals on 18 shots to San Jose Sharks

There were only two games on the National Hockey League schedule last night, but there were still some interesting highlights.

Here’s what caught the eye in both games.

1. Devils give Sharks first away win of the season

It’s been an odd season for the New Jersey Devils so far.

They started things off strong thanks to a simply dominant Jack Hughes, but have slowed down greatly since, especially during Jack Hughes’ injury.

But even since the return of their star player, the Devils are coming on strong, which is surprising considering their very strong line-up on paper, as well as the great season they had last season.

The Devils were all but assured of a playoff spot, but now they’re out of the playoff picture with their 11-10-1 record.

The Devils need a string of wins if they’re to climb back up the standings, and giving up six goals to the San Jose Sharks isn’t going to help.

Last night, the Sharks won their first away game of the season 6-3 over the Devils.

The Sharks took only 18 shots on net, while the Devils took 47 shots on goal.

San Jose had scored just six goals in their first ten away games of the season, and now they’ve scored six in the same game.

It was an excellent performance for Kaapo Kahkonen in front of the Sharks cage, but a night to forget for Akira Schmid.

The @SanJoseSharks came ready to play tonight.

Check out the sauce here from Mikael Granlund.

: @Sportsnet or stream on Sportsnet+ https://t.co/sEijvXhbA1 pic.twitter.com/iFQCUb6mc7

– NHL (@NHL) December 2, 2023

THE DUKE IS LOOSE.

WE REPEAT.

THE. DUKE. IS. LOOSE. pic.twitter.com/9Jsm7WVUUM

– San Jose Sharks (@SanJoseSharks) December 2, 2023

Note that in defeat, Jack Hughes earned his 30ᵉ point of the season with his 9ᵉ goal of the campaign.

JACK

: @Sportsnet or stream on Sportsnet+ https://t.co/sEijvXhbA1 pic.twitter.com/ljo2uO7dbP

– NHL (@NHL) December 2, 2023

Kudos also to Simon Nemec, drafted 2ᵉ in 2022 behind Juraj Slafkovsky, who picked up two assists in his first NHL game.

2. Blue Jackets come from behind to beat Senators

In a duel between two teams at the bottom of the standings (each last in their respective divisions), it was the Columbus Blue Jackets who came out on top, 4-2.

After seeing the Senators take a 2-0 lead, the Blue Jackets woke up and never looked back.

Patrik Laine sure can shoot the puck #CBJ pic.twitter.com/r6mjBraj6G

– Hockey Daily 365 l NHL Highlights & News (@HockeyDaily365) December 2, 2023

Adam Fantilli with the one-handed tip!!!

This kid’s hand-eye is something else. pic.twitter.com/xYUgyUws4N

– NHL (@NHL) December 2, 2023

Sens goaltender Joonas Korpisalo was unable to prevail against his former team.

It continues to be tough for the Ottawa Senators this season, as we all wait to find out when D.J. Smith will lose his job as head coach.

Stay tuned.

Extension

– Devon Levi has been doing well since his dismissal in the AHL.

– Here are yesterday’s results.

The @BlueJacketsNHL and @SanJoseSharks each picked up wins to close out a two-game Friday that featured a 7.5 goals-per-game average.#NHLStats: https://t.co/3T0oSc2sgo pic.twitter.com/r6SX0lxyyM

– NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) December 2, 2023

– Here are yesterday’s top scorers.

(Credit: NHL.com)