New Jersey Devils defeated the Colorado Avalanche 4-3 in regulation. A timely empty-net goal was the decisive factor as they withstood a furious late Avalanche comeback.
New Jersey Devils secured a 4-3 regulation win over the Colorado Avalanche. Luke Evangelista opened scoring at 06:40 of the first, with Gabriel Landeskog equalizing for Colorado at 14:32. The Devils then took control in the second and early third, as Declan Chisholm scored at 12:33 of the second and Arseny Gritsyuk at 04:39 of the third to build a lead. Jesper Boqvist’s empty-net goal at 16:05 seemed to seal it. However, Artturi Lehkonen scored twice for Colorado in the final minutes, at 16:47 and 19:55, bringing the Avalanche within one before the Devils held on.
Luke Evangelista was the first star, recording 1 goal and 1 assist with a +2 rating in 16.9 minutes. Jake Allen, the second star, posted a 91.2% save percentage. For Colorado, Artturi Lehkonen led with 2 goals in 16.7 minutes. Cale Makar provided 2 assists in 22.6 minutes. Scott Wedgewood earned the third star, stopping 92.5% of shots. Nico Hischier contributed an assist and a +3 rating for the Devils.
momentum.'s analytical model gave New Jersey a 51% chance to win, a prediction that proved correct. Their multi-goal cushion was crucial, providing just enough buffer against Colorado's determined late push. Despite the Avalanche's furious third-period rally, New Jersey maintained their narrow advantage, validating the model's slight favoritism and securing the regulation victory.
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