The New Jersey Devils spoke about how the penalty kill is serving as a big obstacle for their play, especially after the recent loss to the Vancouver Canucks.
Unfortunately, the New Jersey Devils’ penalty kill has been anything but consistent.
New Jersey (now 18-14-1) dropped a 2–1 decision on a frigid Dec. 14 afternoon against the Vancouver Canucks, who remain at the bottom of the Pacific Division. Despite outshooting Vancouver by 11 and spending extended stretches in the offensive zone, the Devils were undone by a surge in penalties. The opening goal came on a Canucks power play after New Jersey was called for slashing.
For context, the penalty kill refers to a team defending while short-handed as a result of a player serving time in the penalty box.
Head coach Sheldon Keefe addressed the issue after the game, calling the penalty kill a major momentum swing against the Canucks.
“It’s a killer,” Keefe said. “We couldn’t have started worse, both in terms of our play and how the game unfolded. There were three whistles in the first 40 seconds or so. We put ourselves in that position with minor penalties early. We’ve got to find a way to handle back-to-back games better.”
Devils’ Players Agree With Head Coach on Needing to Improve PK, PP Efforts
The Devils’ inability to make the most of their opportunities was further reflected in the final stat line, as New Jersey recorded 26 shots compared to just 15 for Vancouver in the snowy December matchup.
Devils defenseman Luke Hughes, who scored New Jersey’s lone goal to make the final 2–1, said the team needs to regroup and do a better job converting offensive chances.
“We had a lot of time in their zone but couldn’t turn it into goals,” Hughes said. “It’s frustrating. We just weren’t able to score, so we have to go back to the drawing board.”
Hughes scored his goal in the second period, while Vancouver’s Zeev Buium and Jake DeBrusk accounted for the other goals.
Veteran Devils defenseman Brenden Dillon, who recently played the 1,000th game of his NHL career, echoed Coach Keefe’s concerns, emphasizing that improving the penalty kill is crucial for winning games.
“The PK is really frustrating right now,” Dillon said in the locker room after the game. “It’s costing us games, just like it did today.”
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