Yet, the team didn’t get demoralized, the Devils didn’t play without intensity or confidence in the third period. They got more and more opportunities on offense, and when Kovalchuk scored his goal from the high slot, you can see the jubilation among the team. Not just that Kovalchuk scored, but the Devils broke a deadlock themselves. They did it because Elias drew the attention of three Predators and found an open Kovalchuk. It was a great play that made it all happen, and you can almost sense a big weight lifted off the shoulders of the forwards. Did the Devils let up? Not at all, and they were rewarded with a power play goal and an empty net goal (Jamie Langenbrunner) to seal the deal. The top 6 forwards made plays and made goals happen. I’d argue that, next to Kovalchuk, Elias was the best forward out there in terms of making good passes, keeping good possession, and being involved in scoring chances. Really, no one on the top 6 was bad; hopefully, they’ll give Lemaire reason to keep them all together as they are.
