Overview
- The defeat to the Maple Leafs was New Jersey’s fourth loss in a row, extending a skid approaching the season’s midpoint.
- Sheldon Keefe said the Devils generated clean looks but failed to convert, noting too many misses and shots into the goalie’s chest.
- Keefe chose not to address the room immediately after the game, saying he will speak to players in the morning and press for harder, smarter play.
- He labeled Nico Hischier’s third-period fight with Matthew Knies a gut check and challenged others to show more competitiveness and physical push.
- In the prior overtime loss to Washington, the Devils outshot the Capitals 38–33 and Jake Allen made 29 saves, but they lost 66% of faceoffs, had 15 giveaways, and saw mixed special-teams results.