Thursday, March 4, 2021

Devils Downed in Reverse Retro Debut

 

The New Jersey Devils made their debut in green on Tuesday night. Unfortunately, it didn't help them to a victory.

Oliver Wahlstrom (Boston College) and Anders Lee (Notre Dame) scored for the New York Islanders in their 2-1 win over the host Devils at the Prudential Center in Newark, the first game in which fans were allowed at a Devils home game since late last season. About 1,800 spectators were allowed, due to COVID-19 regulations.

New Jersey, which wore red, white and green from 1982 to 1991 before switching to red, white and black, debuted its Reverse Retro uniform in the contest. It marked the first time that the club had worn green helmets, gloves, jerseys and socks in its history, along with red pants.

Wahlstrom's goal 70 seconds into the third period, a wrist shot from above the right circle, broke a scoreless tie and gave New York a lead it would not relinquish. The goal was his third in his last four games, and also gave the Quincy, Mass. native six points over his last five appearances.

Lee followed up his own rebound in front of the New Jersey net with just over 12 minutes remaining in regulation for the game-winner. It was also his team-leading 10th goal of the 2020-21 campaign, giving him double-digit goals in seven straight NHL seasons.

Miles Wood (Boston College) scored from the doorstep with less than 15 seconds left in the third period to put New Jersey on the scoreboard, his team-best seventh goal of the season, but it wasn't enough for the home team. Aaron Dell (North Dakota) made 18 stops for the Devils in his second start for New Jersey, after being being claimed off waivers from the Toronto Maple Leafs last month.

New Jersey, which has lost six of its last seven outings, entertains the rival New York Rangers tonight, while the Islanders host the Buffalo Sabres.

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