SEE IT: Devils’ epic power play whiff showcases pivot to neutral zone crap defense
“Is this a tiny sliver of my pride?” source: Getty Images Call them the New Jersey Evils, because they’ve abandoned any concept of “D.”
With Sami Vatanen in the penalty box for a high-sticking double minor early in Saturday’s matinee, the New York Rangers quickly got to work on the power play. MSG Network’s graphic noted that New Jersey’s penalty kill is the worst in the NHL this season … and then the Devils went out and proved it.
Alexander Georgiev dropped the puck off for defenseman Adam Fox near the Rangers’ net, Fox started skating up ice, and, well…
Yegor Sharangovich was the first New Jersey penalty killer to encounter Fox, seeing him skate out of the New York zone. Fair enough: cut off the passing lane to the side and make Fox go up the middle.
Unhassled through the neutral zone, Fox next came to another forward, Nathan Bastian, who offered a cursory wave of his stick as Fox made his way to the Devils’ blue line.
There were two Devils left to beat: defensemen Dmitry Kulikov and Damon Severson. With Fox sliding over to Kulikov’s side, Kulikov decided to go cover an invisible Rangers forward in the corner, leaving Severson to make the last flailing attempt to look like he was doing something to try to stop Fox.
Stunningly, none of this worked, and Fox wound up with his second goal of the season, with Georgiev picking up the fourth assist of his career.
The goal did not exactly provide a wake-up call for the Devils. Ryan Strome made it 2-0, five minutes later, on a goal assisted by Fox and Kaapo Kakko.
Free NBA Picks for March 14: Three Bets to Target
Why Kyler Murray is a Perfect Match For Minnesota Vikings
Five NFL Free Agency Predictions That Can Still Happen
Five College Pro Days That Could Shake Up the 2026 NFL Draft
- MLB Home Run Future Prop Bets: Four Picks to Target This Season
- Thursday NBA Betting Guide: Key Spreads and Totals to Target
- Players Championship Betting Guide: Top Picks, Props, and Odds
- College Basketball Best Bets Today: Kentucky and Texas SEC Tournament Picks
- MLB ERA Player Prop Future Bets: Four Pitchers Worth Betting the Under
- Why Duke Blue Devils Look Unstoppable Entering the ACC Tournament
- Big 12 Tournament Preview: Arizona, Houston, Kansas, and Iowa State Contend

